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publicity

n.
US //pəˈbɫɪsəti// UK //pʌblˈɪsɪti// pub·lic·i·ty
  1. 1 media attention (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the attention that a person, product, or event gets from newspapers, television, or social media.

    the state of being the subject of public attention or notice through media coverage.

    Example

    The new movie received a lot of publicity after the lead actor visited our city.

    Example

    The scandal generated a wave of negative publicity that the company struggled to manage even with a dedicated crisis team.

    Usage

    Uncountable in this sense.

  2. 2 promotional activity (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Advertising

    the work of telling the public about something to make them interested in it.

    the deliberate process or activity of attracting public interest to a person, product, or event.

    Example

    They are planning a big publicity campaign to launch the new phone.

    Example

    The marketing department allocated a significant portion of the budget to digital publicity, focusing on social media influencers to reach a younger demographic.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of 'publicity campaign'.

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  1. 3 being public (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the quality of being open and known to everyone rather than being private.

    the quality or condition of being public or open to general observation.

    Example

    The lawyer argued for the publicity of the court records so everyone could see the evidence.

    Example

    The principle of publicity in legal proceedings ensures that justice is not only done but is seen to be done by the general population.

    Usage

    Used in legal or philosophical contexts regarding the 'publicity' of information.

Origin

From French publicité, From Medieval Latin pūblicitātem, accusative singular of pūblicitās, from Latin pūblicus (“public, general”). Morphologically public + -ity.

Idioms1 entry

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