popular
- 01 A1 Beginner
adj.liked, enjoyed, or supported by many people.
adj.widely liked, admired, or enjoyed by a large number of people.
Simple“The new Italian restaurant is very popular with local families on weekends.”
In context“The senator remained remarkably popular among rural voters despite the controversial economic reforms introduced during her first term.”
PitfallHe is popular for his classmates. He is popular with his classmates.Use 'with' or 'among' to describe the group of people who like someone.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
adj.intended for or used by ordinary people rather than experts or specialists.
adj.designed for or adapted to the understanding, taste, or means of the general public.
Simple“He writes books about popular science that are easy for everyone to understand.”
In context“The magazine successfully bridged the gap between academic research and popular interest in archaeology.”
Antonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.held or accepted by most people.
adj.commonly held or widely prevalent among the general population.
Simple“Contrary to popular belief, carrots do not actually help you see in the dark.”
In context“The popular conception of the historical figure was largely shaped by a fictionalised film released in the late nineties.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
adj.relating to the people of a country, especially regarding politics or law.
adj.pertaining to, or originating from, the general body of people within a political or legal framework.
Simple“The country held a popular vote to decide on the new law.”
In context“The uprising was seen as a genuine expression of popular sovereignty against an increasingly autocratic regime.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
n.a person who is very well-liked, especially in a school or social group.
n.an individual who enjoys high social status or widespread approval within a specific peer group.
Simple“She was one of the populars in high school, always surrounded by friends.”
In context“The social hierarchy of the office was clearly divided between the management and the 'populars' who organised every after-work event.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form when referring to a social clique.
Usage popular divisive · popular resorts · popular site
From Middle English populer, from Old French populaire and Latin populāris, from populus (“people”) + -āris (“-ar”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.