mainstream
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are shared by most people and regarded as normal or conventional.
n.the prevailing current of thought, influence, or activity within a society. Uncountable in this abstract sense.
Simple“His views on the environment have finally moved into the mainstream.”
In context“While his early theories were dismissed as radical, they have since been absorbed into the scientific mainstream and are now taught in every university.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.accepted by most people rather than a small or specialized group.
adj.representing the most widespread or common attitudes and values of a society.
Simple“Mainstream media outlets are often criticized for ignoring smaller news stories.”
In context“The director transitioned from experimental short films to mainstream Hollywood blockbusters without losing his unique visual style.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
v.to make something popular or accepted by the general public.
v.to bring a particular idea, practice, or group into the principal current of society or a specific field. Transitive — takes a direct object.
Simple“The government is trying to mainstream renewable energy by offering tax breaks.”
In context“The organization works to mainstream disability rights into every level of urban planning and public policy.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to teach students with special needs in the same classrooms as other students.
v.to integrate students with disabilities or special educational needs into regular school classes. Transitive — takes a direct object.
Simple“The school decided to mainstream several students who previously attended a separate center.”
In context“Advocates argue that mainstreaming students with learning difficulties fosters a more empathetic and inclusive environment for the entire student body.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice: 'the student was mainstreamed'.
Usage mainstream media
“For years, most mainstream multiplexes booked movies in standard two-week blocks.”
“With no other mainstream options, the parody candidate Count Binface, was Farage’s nearest competitor, winning 9,455 votes, or one in four of the votes cast.”
From main + stream. Cognate with Icelandic meginstraumur (“a main current, mainstream”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.