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Publicity: meaning, definitions and examples

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publicity

 

[pʌbˈlɪsɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

media exposure

The state or quality of being widely known or discussed by the public.

Synonyms

advertisement, exposure, promotion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
publicity

Publicity is used when discussing public awareness or visibility of a person, product, or organization usually achieved through media coverage. It can be both positive and negative.

  • The movie received a lot of publicity due to the controversial topics it covered
  • Negative publicity harmed the company's reputation
promotion

Use this word when referring to activities aimed at raising awareness, creating interest, or encouraging sales of a product or service. It usually involves marketing strategies and campaigns.

  • The promotion of the new product included a discount for the first 100 customers
  • They ran a successful promotion during the holiday season
exposure

Exposure is suitable for describing the amount of attention or visibility something receives. It can refer to both beneficial or potentially harmful situations depending on the context.

  • The artist gained exposure through social media
  • Too much exposure to the sun can be harmful
advertisement

This word is appropriate when referring to a paid announcement promoting a product, service, or event, typically seen in various forms of media like TV, print, or online.

  • The new advertisement for the smartphone was very effective in attracting customers
  • She designs advertisements for a living

Examples of usage

  • Her new movie received a lot of publicity before its release.
  • The company's publicity campaign was very successful in reaching a large audience.
Context #2 | Noun

positive attention

The notice or attention given to someone or something by the media or the public.

Synonyms

buzz, media coverage, public relations.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
publicity

Use when referring to the general attention or public notice someone or something receives, often in the context of marketing or promotions.

  • The new product received a lot of publicity due to the marketing campaign
  • The actress avoided the publicity after retiring from the film industry
public relations

Use when talking about the strategic communication efforts aimed at building and maintaining a positive image for an organization or individual.

  • The company hired a public relations firm to improve its image
  • Effective public relations are crucial for managing a crisis
media coverage

Use when referring to how much and how a topic or event is reported by television, newspapers, and other news outlets.

  • The charity event received significant media coverage
  • The scandal’s media coverage lasted for several weeks
buzz

Use when mentioning excitement or interest created around something, typically through informal means like word of mouth or social media.

  • There was a lot of buzz about the upcoming movie
  • The new gadget created significant buzz among tech enthusiasts

Examples of usage

  • The charity event gained a lot of positive publicity for the organization.
  • The singer's public image benefited from the positive publicity surrounding her latest album.
Context #3 | Noun

negative attention

The adverse or unfavorable notice or attention given to someone or something by the media or the public.

Synonyms

bad press, controversy, scandal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
publicity

Repeated word. See above.
controversy

Describes a public disagreement or debate that provokes strong reactions from people. It may not always be negative but often involves conflicting opinions.

  • The new law caused a lot of controversy among citizens
  • The artist's latest work has sparked controversy in the art community
scandal

Used when referring to an event or action that causes public outrage or shock, often involving accusations of impropriety or moral wrongdoing. Strongly negative connotation.

  • The financial scandal led to the CEO's resignation
  • The celebrity was at the center of a massive scandal
bad press

Refers to negative attention or unfavorable coverage from the media. Negative connotation, often related to criticism or damaging information.

  • The company's new policy received a lot of bad press
  • The politician struggled with the bad press after the scandal broke

Examples of usage

  • The scandal brought a lot of negative publicity to the politician.
  • The company faced a public relations crisis due to the negative publicity surrounding its product.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'publicity' comes from the Latin word 'publicus', which means 'of the people'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 19th century, evolving as society placed more value on public opinion.
  • Publicity relates to the Latin word 'publicitas', which refers to the quality of being public or open.

Marketing

  • Effective publicity strategies involve creating a buzz, which can lead to viral marketing.
  • Publicity can be achieved through press releases, events, and social media engagements.
  • Companies often use public figures to boost publicity, capitalizing on their influence and reach.

Media

  • Publicity often hinges on media coverage, shaping how information is perceived by the public.
  • The rise of social media has transformed how publicity is generated and measured, shifting power to individuals.
  • In the digital age, online publicity can be tracked through metrics such as shares, likes, and comments.

Cultural Impact

  • Publicity can significantly influence pop culture, especially through advertising campaigns and celebrity endorsements.
  • Social movements have benefited from effective publicity, raising awareness and prompting change.
  • Humor and creativity in publicity can increase audience engagement and memorability.

Psychology

  • Publicity works by tapping into social proof – people are more likely to engage with something that appears popular.
  • The mere exposure effect in psychology suggests that repeated visibility can increase liking towards a brand or product.
  • Publicity can create a 'fear of missing out' (FOMO), encouraging more people to participate or purchase.

Translations

Translations of the word "publicity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 publicidade

🇮🇳 प्रचार

🇩🇪 Werbung

🇮🇩 publisitas

🇺🇦 публічність

🇵🇱 reklama

🇯🇵 宣伝 (せんでん)

🇫🇷 publicité

🇪🇸 publicidad

🇹🇷 tanıtım

🇰🇷 홍보 (홍보)

🇸🇦 دعاية

🇨🇿 reklama

🇸🇰 reklama

🇨🇳 宣传 (xuān chuán)

🇸🇮 oglaševanje

🇮🇸 auglysingar

🇰🇿 жарнама

🇬🇪 სარეკლამო

🇦🇿 reklam

🇲🇽 publicidad

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,532 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.