Popularized: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word stems from the Latin 'popularis', meaning 'of the people'.
• It evolved in English during the 17th century, gaining its current form by the late 1800s.
• The suffix '-ized' indicates the process of making or becoming something.

Cultural Impact

• Cultural phenomena, like trends in music, fashion, and technology, often undergo a process of being popularized, affecting how society behaves.
• Social media plays a crucial role in how quickly and widely ideas and products are popularized today.
• Many influential figures and celebrities help popularize products, movements, or messages, setting trends.

Science

• The popularization of science involves making complex ideas accessible to the general public, often through literature or media.
• Many scientists, such as Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson, have successfully popularized astronomy, inspiring public interest.
• The 'science communication' field focuses on how to effectively share scientific knowledge with non-experts.

Literature

• Novels and stories are popularized through adaptations into films and series, attracting wider audiences.
• Famous authors like J.K. Rowling have popularized whole genres, such as fantasy, encouraging new writers.
• Book clubs and reading challenges on social media help in the popularization of specific titles.

Psychology

• Popularizing ideas can often create a bandwagon effect, where more people join in because others are doing the same.
• Psychologists study how certain concepts become popular, often linking it to social proof.
• The concept of 'virality' in psychology explains why some ideas spread quickly while others do not.

Positioned at #20,128, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 20125 unsuspected
• 20126 slider
• 20127 giggling
• 20128 popularized
• 20129 withstanding
• 20130 catarrh
• 20131 absurdly
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