popularity
pop-yuh-LAR-ih-tee
Popularity (noun) means the state of being widely liked, admired, or supported. Example: “The teacher's popularity with pupils comes from her patience and her sense of humour.”
noun
1
The state of being widely liked, admired, or supported.
"The massive popularity of the book led to it being adapted into a movie."
"Politicians are rarely known for their popularity."
"The teacher's popularity with pupils comes from her patience and her sense of humour."
"Despite its popularity, the little cafe never expanded beyond one small shop."
"The band's popularity grew after their song went viral."
"This destination has increased in popularity after great reviews in the guide books."
How to use popularity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow much something or someone is liked or supported by a lot of people.
Common pairings
gain popularity
lose popularity
rise in popularity
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Word forms
- Plural
- popularities
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The teacher's _____ with pupils comes from her patience and her sense of humour.
Etymology
From "popular" plus the noun suffix "-ity", echoing Latin popularitas ("effort to please the people").
Related words
Rhymes for popularity
See all rhymes for popularity →Frequently asked questions
What does “popularity” mean?
The word “popularity” means the state of being widely liked, admired, or supported. In plain terms, how much something or someone is liked or supported by a lot of people.
How do you pronounce “popularity”?
“Popularity” is pronounced pop-yuh-LAR-ih-tee (/ˌpɑ.pjəˈlæɹ.ə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “popularity” in a sentence?
Here is “popularity” used in a sentence: “The band's popularity grew after their song went viral.”
What part of speech is “popularity”?
“Popularity” is a noun.
Where does the word “popularity” come from?
The word “popularity” comes from Latin. From "popular" plus the noun suffix "-ity", echoing Latin popularitas ("effort to please the people").
Is “popularity” a common word?
“Popularity” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "popularity" and "fame"?
"Popularity" is the state of being widely liked, admired, or supported, so it carries a positive sense. "Fame" simply means being widely known, which can be for good or bad reasons. Someone can have fame without popularity if they are well known but not liked.
What is the difference between "popularity" and "reputation"?
"Popularity" measures how much someone or something is liked or supported by many people. "Reputation" is the general opinion others hold about a person or thing, which may be good or bad. You can have a strong reputation for skill without being popular.
Is "popularity" a countable noun?
No, "popularity" is an uncountable (mass) noun, so it is not used in the plural and you would not say "popularities." You describe amounts of it with words like "great," "growing," or "waning," as in "growing popularity."
What verbs are commonly used with "popularity"?
"Popularity" often pairs with verbs of change, such as "gain," "grow in," "rise in," or "surge in" for increases, and "lose," "decline in," or "wane in" for decreases. A common phrase is "a surge in popularity."
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