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REFERENCE

popular

adj. · n.
US //ˈpɑpjəɫɝ// UK //pˈɒpjʊlɐ// pop·u·lar
  1. 1 liked by many (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    liked, enjoyed, or supported by many people.

    widely liked, admired, or enjoyed by a large number of people.

    Example

    The new Italian restaurant is very popular with local families on weekends.

    Example

    The senator remained remarkably popular among rural voters despite the controversial economic reforms introduced during her first term.
    Pitfall
    He is popular for his classmates.
    He is popular with his classmates.

    Use 'with' or 'among' to describe the group of people who like someone.

  2. 2 for the general public (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    intended for or used by ordinary people rather than experts or specialists.

    designed for or adapted to the understanding, taste, or means of the general public.

    Example

    He writes books about popular science that are easy for everyone to understand.

    Example

    The magazine successfully bridged the gap between academic research and popular interest in archaeology.
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  1. 3 common or widespread (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    held or accepted by most people.

    commonly held or widely prevalent among the general population.

    Example

    Contrary to popular belief, carrots do not actually help you see in the dark.

    Example

    The popular conception of the historical figure was largely shaped by a fictionalised film released in the late nineties.
  2. 4 of the people (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    relating to the people of a country, especially regarding politics or law.

    pertaining to, or originating from, the general body of people within a political or legal framework.

    Example

    The country held a popular vote to decide on the new law.

    Example

    The uprising was seen as a genuine expression of popular sovereignty against an increasingly autocratic regime.
  3. 5 a liked person (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal Slang

    a person who is very well-liked, especially in a school or social group.

    an individual who enjoys high social status or widespread approval within a specific peer group.

    Example

    She was one of the populars in high school, always surrounded by friends.

    Example

    The social hierarchy of the office was clearly divided between the management and the 'populars' who organised every after-work event.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form when referring to a social clique.
Origin

From Middle English populer, from Old French populaire and Latin populāris, from populus (“people”) + -āris (“-ar”).

Word family

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