Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 adjective #440 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

At the A1 level, 'popular' is a very simple word that means 'many people like it.' You can use it to talk about your favorite things or things that your friends like. For example, you can say 'Pizza is popular' or 'This song is popular.' It is an easy way to describe things that are famous in a good way. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'popular' describes a person, a place, or a thing. If you have many friends, you are popular. If a movie is in all the cinemas and everyone is talking about it, the movie is popular. It is a positive word. You can also use 'not popular' if people do not like something. At this level, focus on using it with the verb 'to be,' like 'He is popular' or 'They are popular.' This word helps you express what is common and liked in your world. It is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe social situations. Think of it as the opposite of 'lonely' for a person or 'boring' for a thing that nobody wants to see. It's a very useful word for basic conversations about hobbies, food, and music.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'popular' in more specific ways. You can use it to describe people in your school or workplace. You also learn that 'popular' often goes with the prepositions 'with' or 'among.' For example, 'This game is popular with my friends.' You can also use it to talk about trends, like 'Short hair is popular this year.' At this level, you should be able to compare things using 'more popular' or 'the most popular.' For instance, 'Is basketball more popular than tennis in your country?' You are also learning that 'popular' is different from 'famous.' A famous person is known by everyone, but a popular person is liked by everyone. You might also see the word in phrases like 'popular music' or 'popular culture.' It's important to start using it to describe not just people, but also ideas and products. When you go shopping, you might look for 'popular brands.' When you talk about your town, you might mention 'popular tourist spots.' This word helps you describe the social world around you with more detail. It is a key part of talking about preferences and social groups. You can also use it to talk about why you like something, such as 'This restaurant is popular because the food is cheap and good.'

At the B1 level, you use 'popular' to discuss more abstract concepts and social trends. You can talk about 'popular opinion' or 'popular belief.' For example, 'Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't always rain in London.' This shows you understand how the word describes what the majority of people think. You can also use the noun 'popularity' to talk about the state of being popular. For instance, 'The popularity of social media is growing.' You are becoming more aware of the nuances between 'popular,' 'common,' and 'trendy.' You know that 'popular' implies a choice or a preference, while 'common' just means something happens a lot. You can use 'popular' in more complex sentences, such as 'The government's new policy proved to be very popular among young voters.' You also start to see 'popular' used in professional contexts, like 'popular demand.' If a store brings back an old product because many people asked for it, they are doing it 'by popular demand.' This level requires you to use the word to analyze why things are liked and to describe the impact of that popularity on society. You can also use it to talk about cultural history, like 'the popular movements of the 1960s.' It's a word that helps you connect individual tastes to larger social patterns.

At the B2 level, you can use 'popular' to engage in more sophisticated debates and analyses. You understand the political implications of the word, such as in 'popular sovereignty' or the 'popular vote.' You can discuss how popularity can be manipulated by marketing or the media. You might use the word to describe the 'popularization' of a complex subject, like 'the popularization of science through television documentaries.' You are also able to use more advanced synonyms like 'sought-after,' 'prevalent,' or 'mainstream' to avoid repeating 'popular' too often. You can analyze the difference between 'popular culture' and 'high culture' and discuss the merits of each. In your writing, you can use 'popular' to set the scene for an argument, such as 'While it is a popular view that technology isolates us, there is evidence to suggest it actually connects us.' You are also comfortable using the word in idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases. You understand that 'popular' can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation in certain circles, implying something is 'low-brow' or 'too commercial.' This level of understanding allows you to use the word critically and to understand the social dynamics of approval and rejection in a much deeper way. You can also use it to describe economic trends, such as 'popular prices' or 'popular markets.'

At the C1 level, your use of 'popular' is nuanced and precise. You can distinguish between 'popular' and 'populist,' understanding the political weight of the latter. You can use 'popular' to describe complex social phenomena, such as 'popular discontent' or 'popular mobilization.' You are aware of the historical context of 'popular' movements and can discuss them in detail. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'populace,' 'popularity,' and 'popularize,' and you use them correctly in varied contexts. You can write about the 'popular appeal' of a literary work or a piece of art, analyzing what makes it resonate with a wide audience. You also understand the use of 'popular' in scientific or technical fields, such as 'popular etymology'—the process where a word's form is changed because of a mistaken belief about its origin. In academic writing, you use 'popular' to contrast with 'specialized' or 'esoteric.' You can discuss the 'popular reception' of a new theory or invention. Your ability to use the word extends to subtle irony or sarcasm, such as 'Oh, that's a very popular opinion,' implying the opposite. You are also adept at using the word in collocations like 'popular imagination' or 'popular consciousness.' At this level, 'popular' is not just a simple adjective but a tool for sophisticated social and cultural analysis, allowing you to explore the relationship between the individual, the group, and the state.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'popular' and all its derivatives. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from a casual conversation to a formal academic paper. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has evolved over centuries. You can discuss the 'popular' elements of a classic text or the 'popular' origins of a complex legal principle. You are able to use the word to explore the most subtle aspects of social and cultural life, such as the 'popular' memory of a historical event or the 'popular' aesthetics of a particular era. You can use 'popular' in highly specialized ways, such as in 'popular linguistics' or 'popular sociology.' Your writing is characterized by a sophisticated use of synonyms and related terms, ensuring that 'popular' is always the most appropriate word for the context. You can analyze the 'popular' rhetoric of a political leader and its impact on the 'populace.' You are also comfortable using the word in creative and idiomatic ways, pushing the boundaries of its conventional meaning. For you, 'popular' is a versatile and powerful word that can be used to describe everything from the simplest preference to the most complex social movement. You understand that 'popularity' is a multifaceted concept, and you can explore its various dimensions with ease and confidence. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, reflecting a deep and comprehensive understanding of the English language.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

popular en 30 secondes

Popular means being liked or admired by many people in a specific group or the general public.
It is commonly used to describe social status, fashion trends, music, and public opinions or beliefs.
The word is different from 'famous' because 'popular' implies being liked, while 'famous' just means being known.
It often pairs with prepositions like 'with' or 'among' to specify who likes the person or thing.

The adjective 'popular' is one of the most versatile and frequently used words in the English language, serving as a primary indicator of social acceptance, cultural trends, and widespread approval. At its core, 'popular' signifies that something or someone is liked, admired, or supported by a large number of people. However, the nuance of the word changes significantly depending on the context in which it is applied. In a school or social setting, 'popular' often refers to individuals who possess high social status or a wide circle of friends. In a commercial or cultural context, it refers to products, music, or fashion that are currently in high demand or widely consumed by the public. The word originates from the Latin 'popularis,' meaning 'of the people,' which highlights its inherent connection to the masses rather than the elite or the niche. When we say a song is popular, we are noting its high frequency of play and its broad appeal across different demographics. When we describe a political move as popular, we are suggesting it aligns with the will or the liking of the general electorate. It is important to distinguish 'popular' from 'famous'; while a person can be famous for negative reasons (notorious), being popular almost always carries a positive connotation of being liked or favored. The term is also used in academic contexts to describe 'popular culture'—the set of practices, beliefs, and objects that embody the shared meaning of a social system. Understanding 'popular' requires looking at the scale of approval. It can range from a small group (a popular teacher in a specific school) to a global scale (a popular smartphone brand). The word is also dynamic; what is popular today may become 'dated' or 'unpopular' tomorrow, making it a key term for discussing trends and the passage of time. In everyday conversation, it is used to justify choices, such as 'Let's go to that restaurant; it's very popular,' implying that the high volume of customers is a testament to its quality. It is a word that bridges the gap between individual preference and collective consensus.

Social Acceptance: Refers to individuals who are well-liked and have many friends within a community or group.

Market Demand: Describes products or services that are purchased or used by a vast majority of consumers.

Cultural Trends: Relates to styles, music, or ideas that are currently fashionable and widely embraced.

The new Italian restaurant in the city center has become incredibly popular because of its authentic pasta dishes.

Contrary to popular belief, cats can actually be very affectionate with their owners.

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with billions of fans across every continent.

She was a popular choice for class president because she listened to everyone's concerns.

The song reached the top of the charts, proving just how popular the artist has become.

Using 'popular' correctly involves understanding its placement as an adjective and the nouns it typically modifies. It most commonly appears before a noun (attributive use) or after a linking verb like 'be,' 'become,' or 'seem' (predicative use). For example, in 'The popular girl,' it describes the girl directly. In 'The girl is popular,' it describes her state of being liked. When using 'popular' to describe trends, it often pairs with 'with' or 'among' to specify the group that likes the thing. For instance, 'This game is popular with teenagers' or 'The policy is popular among rural voters.' This helps narrow down the scope of the popularity. Another common structure is 'popular to + verb,' such as 'It is popular to believe that...' although this is slightly more informal. You can also use 'popular' in the superlative form, 'the most popular,' to indicate the highest level of preference. For example, 'Blue is the most popular color for bedrooms.' In negative constructions, you can use 'unpopular' or 'not popular.' 'The decision was unpopular with the staff' suggests that the staff disliked the decision. When discussing statistics or widespread ideas, the phrase 'popular belief' or 'popular opinion' is frequently used to describe what the majority of people think, even if that thought is incorrect. It is also worth noting that 'popular' can describe the price or accessibility of something, as in 'popular prices,' which means prices that are affordable for ordinary people. In writing, 'popular' should be used carefully to avoid overgeneralization. Instead of just saying something is 'popular,' providing a reason or a specific demographic makes the sentence stronger. For example, 'The app is popular because of its user-friendly interface' is more informative than 'The app is popular.' In terms of intensity, 'popular' is a gradable adjective, meaning you can be 'very popular,' 'quite popular,' or 'somewhat popular.' It can also be used in comparative structures: 'This brand is more popular than that one.' Mastery of 'popular' involves recognizing these patterns and choosing the right prepositions to clarify who exactly is doing the liking.

Prepositional Use: Always use 'with' or 'among' to define the group: 'Popular with kids' or 'Popular among experts.'

Comparative Forms: Use 'more popular' and 'the most popular' to compare levels of liking between two or more things.

Common Collocations: Pairs well with: demand, culture, belief, vote, support, music, and demand.

This specific model of car is very popular with young families due to its safety features.

The teacher became popular among students for his humorous way of explaining complex math problems.

Is it popular to go skiing in this part of the country during the winter months?

The band's popular appeal stems from their relatable lyrics and catchy melodies.

Despite being expensive, the latest smartphone remains the most popular choice on the market.

You will encounter the word 'popular' in almost every facet of modern life, from casual conversations to high-level academic discourse. In the media, news anchors and journalists frequently use it to describe the 'popular vote' in elections, which refers to the total number of individual votes cast by the public. In the entertainment industry, 'popular music' (or pop music) is a genre defined by its wide accessibility and commercial success. On social media, you might hear about 'popular posts' or 'popular hashtags,' which are those receiving the most engagement, likes, and shares. In business, marketing teams analyze 'popular trends' to determine what products will sell best in the upcoming season. If you are in a school environment, the concept of 'popular kids' is a recurring theme in both real life and fiction, often used to discuss social hierarchies. In science and history, you might hear about 'popular science' or 'popular history,' which are books or documentaries designed to make complex subjects understandable and interesting to the general public rather than just specialists. Travel guides often list 'popular destinations' or 'popular tourist attractions,' helping travelers decide where to go based on where others have had good experiences. In the culinary world, a dish might be described as a 'popular choice' on a menu, signaling to the diner that it is a safe and well-liked option. Even in legal or philosophical discussions, 'popular sovereignty' refers to the principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people. The word is so ubiquitous because it provides a quick way to quantify social value and collective interest. Whether you are reading a fashion magazine, listening to a podcast about technology, or chatting with a friend about a new movie, 'popular' serves as a shorthand for 'this is what many people are currently focusing on and enjoying.'

Media & News: Used to describe election results (popular vote) and widespread public sentiment.

Social Media: Refers to content that has gone viral or is trending among users.

Academic Contexts: Distinguishes between 'popular' versions of subjects (for the public) and 'scholarly' versions (for experts).

The candidate won the popular vote but lost the election due to the electoral college system.

This video is currently popular on YouTube, gaining over a million views in just two days.

Stephen Hawking was a master of popular science, making the mysteries of the universe accessible to everyone.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular landmarks in Europe, attracting millions of visitors annually.

I chose the popular option on the menu, and I wasn't disappointed by the flavor.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'popular' with 'famous.' While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Famous' means many people know who you are, but 'popular' means many people like you. A villain in a movie might be famous, but they are certainly not popular. Another common error involves the misuse of prepositions. Students often say something is 'popular by' people, but the correct English prepositions are 'with' or 'among.' For example, 'The game is popular with children' is correct, whereas 'popular by children' is not. There is also a tendency to confuse 'popular' with 'populous.' 'Populous' refers to a place having a large population (e.g., 'a populous city'), while 'popular' refers to being liked. You wouldn't say 'Tokyo is a popular city' if you only meant it has many people; you would say 'Tokyo is a populous city.' However, you could say 'Tokyo is a popular tourist destination' if many people like to visit it. Another mistake is using 'popular' when 'common' is more appropriate. 'Common' refers to something that happens often or is found in many places, while 'popular' implies a positive preference. For instance, 'Colds are common in winter' is correct, but 'Colds are popular in winter' would imply that people enjoy having colds! Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the noun form 'popularity.' They might say 'He has a lot of popular,' which is incorrect; the correct form is 'He has a lot of popularity' or 'He is very popular.' Finally, be careful with the phrase 'popular belief.' It is often used to introduce a myth or a misconception. If you say 'Contrary to popular belief,' you are about to state something that most people think is true, but is actually false. Misunderstanding this can lead to confusion in argumentative writing. By paying attention to these distinctions—liking vs. knowing, 'with' vs. 'by,' and 'popular' vs. 'common'—you can use the word with much greater precision and avoid sounding like a non-native speaker.

Popular vs. Famous: Famous = Known by many. Popular = Liked by many. A criminal is famous, not popular.

Popular vs. Common: Common = Occurs frequently. Popular = Favored by many. Don't say 'Rain is popular' unless people love it.

Preposition Errors: Avoid 'popular by.' Use 'popular with' or 'popular among.'

Incorrect: The actor is very popular by young people. Correct: The actor is very popular with young people.

Incorrect: Having a headache is popular when you are stressed. Correct: Having a headache is common when you are stressed.

Incorrect: He is a very popular criminal. Correct: He is a very famous (or notorious) criminal.

Incorrect: This city is very popular, with 10 million people. Correct: This city is very populous, with 10 million people.

Incorrect: She has a lot of popular in her school. Correct: She is very popular in her school.

While 'popular' is a great all-purpose word, using alternatives can make your English more precise and sophisticated. If you are talking about something that is currently in fashion, 'trendy' or 'fashionable' are excellent choices. 'Trendy' implies a temporary popularity that might fade quickly, whereas 'fashionable' suggests a more established style. If something is liked by a specific, high-end group, you might use 'sought-after' or 'in-demand.' For example, 'The limited edition sneakers are highly sought-after.' When describing a person who is liked by everyone, 'well-liked' or 'beloved' can add more warmth to your description. 'Beloved' is much stronger than 'popular' and implies a deep affection. In a more formal or academic setting, you might use 'prevalent' or 'widespread' to describe ideas or trends that are common among the people. 'Prevalent' suggests that something is dominant in a particular area or time. If you want to describe something that has a broad appeal across many different types of people, 'universal' or 'mainstream' are useful terms. 'Mainstream' specifically refers to things that are liked by the majority and are not niche or alternative. On the other hand, if you are looking for synonyms for 'popular' in the sense of being easy for the general public to understand, 'accessible' is the perfect word. For example, 'His writing style is very accessible.' In contrast, if you want to express the opposite of popular, you can use 'obscure' (meaning not known or liked by many) or 'niche' (meaning liked by a very small, specific group). Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your language to the specific type of popularity you are describing. For instance, a 'popular' movie is one many people saw and liked, but a 'cult classic' is a movie that is intensely popular with a small, dedicated group of fans. By expanding your vocabulary beyond just 'popular,' you can provide a much clearer picture of the social and cultural landscape you are discussing.

Trendy vs. Popular: 'Trendy' is short-term and fashion-focused. 'Popular' can be long-term and general.

Well-liked vs. Popular: 'Well-liked' is more personal and warm. 'Popular' can sometimes feel more like a status or a statistic.

Mainstream vs. Niche: 'Mainstream' is what the majority likes. 'Niche' is what a small, specific group likes.

The new coffee shop is very trendy right now, with everyone posting photos of their lattes on Instagram.

He is a well-liked member of the community, known for his charity work.

This type of music is no longer mainstream, but it still has a loyal following.

The author's accessible prose makes the difficult subject of physics easy to understand.

The luxury villa is a highly sought-after vacation spot for celebrities.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

In the 16th century, 'popular' could also mean 'vulgar' or 'low-born' because it referred to the common people rather than the nobility. It wasn't until much later that it gained the positive sense of 'being liked by many' that we use today.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈpɒp.jə.lər/

US /ˈpɑː.pjə.lɚ/

The stress is on the first syllable: POP-u-lar.

Rime avec

secular singular jocular binocular molecular particular spectacular vernacular

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'u' too strongly like 'you'. It should be a weak 'yuh'.
Stressing the second or third syllable.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'populous'.
Dropping the 'l' sound in the middle.
Making the 'o' sound too long like 'pope'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in most texts.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowledge of correct prepositions like 'with' and 'among'.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce and use in daily conversation.

Écoute 2/5

Very frequently heard in media and casual speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

like people many friend good

Apprends ensuite

famous common trendy fashionable popularity

Avancé

populist populace sovereignty etymology mainstream

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Order

A popular new Italian restaurant (Opinion before Age before Origin).

Comparatives

This book is more popular than the last one.

Superlatives

She is the most popular girl in class.

Prepositional Phrases

Popular with/among the public.

Linking Verbs

He seems popular.

Exemples par niveau

Pizza is very popular.

Pizza is liked by many people.

Simple subject + is + adjective.

He is a popular boy.

Many people like him.

Adjective before the noun.

This song is popular.

Many people listen to this song.

Using 'popular' to describe an object.

Is she popular?

Do many people like her?

Question form with 'to be'.

The park is popular.

Many people go to the park.

Describing a place.

Blue is a popular color.

Many people like the color blue.

Adjective modifying 'color'.

They are not popular.

People do not like them.

Negative form with 'not'.

This game is popular.

Many people play this game.

Simple adjective use.

The teacher is popular with the students.

The students like the teacher.

Using 'popular with' to specify the group.

Soccer is the most popular sport here.

More people like soccer than any other sport.

Superlative form 'the most popular'.

She became popular after the show.

People started to like her after the show.

Using 'become' as a linking verb.

This cafe is popular for its coffee.

People like this cafe because of its coffee.

Using 'popular for' to give a reason.

Is this a popular name in your country?

Do many people have this name?

Adjective modifying 'name'.

The book is popular among teenagers.

Many teenagers like the book.

Using 'popular among' for a group.

He is more popular than his brother.

More people like him than his brother.

Comparative form 'more popular than'.

It is a popular choice for a holiday.

Many people choose this for their holiday.

Adjective modifying 'choice'.

Contrary to popular belief, the sun is a star.

Most people believe something, but it's different.

Fixed phrase 'contrary to popular belief'.

The popularity of the app is decreasing.

Fewer people like the app now.

Noun form 'popularity'.

The band returned by popular demand.

The band came back because many people asked.

Fixed phrase 'by popular demand'.

He wrote a book on popular science.

He wrote a science book for everyone to understand.

Compound noun 'popular science'.

The movie was a popular success but not a critical one.

The public liked it, but the experts didn't.

Adjective modifying 'success'.

Popular opinion is divided on the new law.

People have different views on the law.

Fixed phrase 'popular opinion'.

The festival is becoming increasingly popular.

More and more people like the festival.

Adverb 'increasingly' modifying 'popular'.

She has a very popular blog about cooking.

Many people read her cooking blog.

Adjective modifying 'blog'.

The candidate won the popular vote but lost the election.

More people voted for him, but he didn't win.

Political term 'popular vote'.

The popularization of the internet changed everything.

Making the internet available to everyone changed things.

Noun form 'popularization'.

The brand is popular for its sustainable practices.

People like the brand because it's good for the environment.

Using 'popular for' with a complex reason.

It is a popular misconception that bats are blind.

Many people wrongly think bats cannot see.

Fixed phrase 'popular misconception'.

The museum aims to make art more popular.

The museum wants more people to like and see art.

Using 'popular' as an object complement.

His music has a broad popular appeal.

His music is liked by many different types of people.

Phrase 'broad popular appeal'.

The government is trying to regain its popular support.

The government wants the people to like them again.

Compound noun 'popular support'.

The trend was popular in the 90s but has since faded.

People liked it in the 90s, but not anymore.

Using 'popular' with a time reference.

The uprising was a result of popular discontent.

The people were unhappy, so they protested.

Formal phrase 'popular discontent'.

The book explores the popular consciousness of the era.

The book looks at what most people were thinking at that time.

Abstract phrase 'popular consciousness'.

The theory gained popular acceptance despite scientific doubt.

The public accepted the theory even if scientists didn't.

Noun phrase 'popular acceptance'.

Popular culture often reflects the anxieties of society.

Movies and music show what people are worried about.

Fixed phrase 'popular culture'.

The leader's popular rhetoric masked his true intentions.

The leader said things the people liked to hide his real plans.

Adjective modifying 'rhetoric'.

The movement was a classic example of popular mobilization.

The movement showed how to get many people to act together.

Formal phrase 'popular mobilization'.

The word's meaning changed through popular etymology.

The word's meaning changed because people misunderstood its origin.

Linguistic term 'popular etymology'.

The play was written in the popular idiom of the time.

The play used the language that common people spoke.

Formal phrase 'popular idiom'.

The doctrine of popular sovereignty is central to democracy.

The idea that people have the power is key to democracy.

Legal/Political term 'popular sovereignty'.

The film's popular reception was overwhelmingly positive.

The way the public received the film was very good.

Noun phrase 'popular reception'.

He analyzed the popular memory of the revolution.

He looked at how the common people remember the revolution.

Abstract phrase 'popular memory'.

The artist sought to bridge the gap between high art and popular taste.

The artist wanted to make art that both experts and the public like.

Noun phrase 'popular taste'.

The popular imagination was captured by the space mission.

Everyone was thinking and dreaming about the space mission.

Fixed phrase 'popular imagination'.

The uprising lacked popular legitimacy in the eyes of the world.

The world didn't think the uprising was right because the people didn't support it.

Formal phrase 'popular legitimacy'.

The popularization of such ideas can be dangerous.

Making these ideas common among the public could be risky.

Noun form 'popularization' in a critical context.

The poem resonates with the popular sentiments of the era.

The poem matches the feelings of most people at that time.

Noun phrase 'popular sentiments'.

Synonymes

liked well-known trendy famous common favored

Antonymes

unpopular disliked unknown

Collocations courantes

popular belief

popular culture

popular demand

popular vote

popular music

popular support

popular opinion

popular choice

popular trend

popular destination

Phrases Courantes

by popular demand

contrary to popular belief

popular with

popular among

popular opinion

popular vote

popular culture

popular science

popular choice

popular front

Souvent confondu avec

popular vs famous

Famous means known by many; popular means liked by many. A criminal is famous, but not popular.

popular vs common

Common means frequent; popular means favored. Rain is common, but not necessarily popular.

popular vs populous

Populous refers to a large population; popular refers to being liked. A city can be populous without being popular.

Expressions idiomatiques

"win a popularity contest"

To be liked by many people, often used sarcastically to mean that being liked is not the most important thing.

I'm not here to win a popularity contest; I'm here to get the job done.

informal

"popular as a rattlesnake in a phone booth"

Extremely unpopular or disliked. It is a humorous way to say no one likes you.

After the scandal, he was about as popular as a rattlesnake in a phone booth.

slang/humorous

"the popular thing to do"

The action that most people are doing or would approve of, even if it's not the best choice.

He just did it because it was the popular thing to do at the time.

neutral

"popular sentiment"

The general feeling or mood of the public. It is often used in political analysis.

The government must listen to popular sentiment if it wants to stay in power.

formal

"popular appeal"

The quality of being liked by many people. It is what makes something successful.

The movie has a broad popular appeal that transcends age groups.

neutral

"popular prices"

Prices that are low enough for most people to afford. It is a marketing term.

The store offers high-quality goods at popular prices.

business

"popular sovereignty"

The principle that the authority of a state is created by the consent of its people. It is a core democratic idea.

The constitution is based on the idea of popular sovereignty.

academic/legal

"popular will"

The desires or decisions of the majority of the people. It is what the public wants.

The new law reflects the popular will of the citizens.

formal

"popular history"

History written for a general audience rather than for academic specialists. It is often more engaging.

He is a famous author of popular history books.

neutral

"popular imagination"

The collective thoughts, dreams, and fears of a society. It is what people often think about.

The mystery of the lost city has always captured the popular imagination.

literary

Facile à confondre

popular vs populous

They sound similar and both relate to 'people'.

Populous means having a lot of people living there. Popular means being liked by a lot of people.

China is a populous country, and tea is a popular drink there.

popular vs populist

They share the same root and relate to public appeal.

Populist is a political term for someone who claims to represent the ordinary people. Popular just means liked.

The populist leader promised things that were popular with the voters.

popular vs vulgar

Historically, 'popular' and 'vulgar' both meant 'of the people'.

Vulgar now means rude or lacking taste. Popular means liked by many.

The joke was popular but a bit vulgar.

popular vs notorious

Both relate to being well-known.

Notorious means famous for something bad. Popular means famous for something good.

The notorious pirate was not popular with the sailors.

popular vs prevalent

Both describe things that are found in many places.

Prevalent is more formal and just means widespread. Popular implies people actually like it.

Flu is prevalent in winter, but skiing is popular.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] is popular.

The dog is popular.

[Subject] is popular with [Group].

The game is popular with kids.

Contrary to popular belief, [Fact].

Contrary to popular belief, coffee is a fruit.

By popular demand, [Action].

By popular demand, the show will continue.

[Subject] has broad popular appeal.

The movie has broad popular appeal.

[Subject] is a result of popular [Noun].

The law was a result of popular discontent.

The doctrine of popular [Noun] is [Adjective].

The doctrine of popular sovereignty is essential.

[Subject] resonates with popular [Noun].

The speech resonates with popular sentiments.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high; used daily in almost all contexts.

Erreurs courantes

He is popular by his friends. → He is popular with his friends.
The correct preposition to use after 'popular' is 'with' or 'among,' not 'by.'
The movie is very famous with kids. → The movie is very popular with kids.
If you mean the kids like the movie, use 'popular.' 'Famous' just means they know it exists.
Tokyo is a popular city of 14 million people. → Tokyo is a populous city of 14 million people.
'Populous' means having many people; 'popular' means being liked. Use 'populous' for population size.
He has a lot of popular in his school. → He has a lot of popularity in his school.
'Popular' is an adjective. You need the noun 'popularity' to follow 'a lot of.'
Colds are popular in the winter. → Colds are common in the winter.
'Popular' implies people like it. Since people don't like colds, use 'common' instead.

Astuces

Preposition Check

Always use 'with' or 'among' to specify the group that likes something. Avoid using 'by' or 'from'.

Popular vs. Famous

Remember: Famous = Known. Popular = Liked. A person can be famous but hated, but a popular person is always liked.

Vary Your Words

Instead of always using 'popular,' try 'trendy' for fashion, 'well-liked' for people, or 'in-demand' for products.

Contrary to Popular Belief

Use this phrase to sound more advanced when you are correcting a common misconception.

Emphasis

Use adverbs like 'immensely' or 'wildly' before 'popular' to show that something is extremely well-liked.

Context Clues

If you hear 'popular' in a news report, it likely refers to the 'popular vote' or 'popular opinion.'

Noun Form

Use 'popularity' when you need a noun. For example: 'The popularity of the sport is growing.'

Pop Culture

Understand that 'pop culture' is a fixed term for the mainstream media and art of a society.

Stress the First Syllable

Always put the emphasis on 'POP' when saying 'popular.' The other syllables should be soft.

Well-liked

In personal contexts, 'well-liked' can sound more sincere and less about status than 'popular.'

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'POP-ular' as something that 'POPS' out because so many people like it. The 'POP' in 'popular' is like the 'POP' in 'pop music'—everyone knows it!

Association visuelle

Imagine a person standing in the middle of a large circle of people, and everyone is giving them a 'thumbs up.' This person is popular.

Word Web

People Liked Famous Trends Friends Music Vote Culture

Défi

Try to use the word 'popular' in three different ways today: once to describe a person, once to describe a food, and once to describe a song.

Origine du mot

The word 'popular' comes from the Latin word 'popularis,' which means 'belonging to the people.' This Latin root is derived from 'populus,' meaning 'people.' It entered the English language in the late 14th century through the Old French word 'populaire.'

Sens originel : Originally, it meant 'of or belonging to the common people' or 'suitable for the common people.'

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > English.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'popular' to describe social groups, as it can sometimes imply an 'in-group' and an 'out-group,' which can be sensitive.

In the US and UK, 'popular' is a standard way to describe celebrities and trends. In high schools, it often refers to a specific social hierarchy.

The song 'Popular' from the musical 'Wicked'. The concept of 'Popular Culture' (Pop Culture). The 'Popular Vote' in US Presidential elections.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

School/Social Life

popular kids
popular with friends
gain popularity
popular teacher

Music/Entertainment

popular music
popular song
popular demand
popular movie

Politics

popular vote
popular support
popular opinion
popular movement

Business/Marketing

popular brand
popular choice
popular prices
popular trend

Travel

popular destination
popular attraction
popular spot
popular route

Amorces de conversation

"What is the most popular food in your country?"

"Who was the most popular person in your school?"

"Why do you think some songs become so popular so quickly?"

"Is it important to be popular, or is it better to have a few close friends?"

"What is a popular trend that you really don't like?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you did something just because it was popular. How did you feel?

Write about a popular person you admire. What makes them so well-liked?

Do you think the internet makes it easier or harder to be popular?

Discuss a popular belief that you think is actually wrong.

If you could make one thing popular in the world, what would it be and why?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, no. 'Popular' implies that people like or support something. If many people know about something bad, use 'famous' or 'notorious' instead. However, you can say an 'unpopular' decision was made.

They are very similar and often interchangeable. 'Popular with' is slightly more common in casual speech, while 'popular among' can sound a bit more formal. Both are correct.

Yes, 'pop' is short for 'popular.' However, 'Pop' has become its own specific genre of music, whereas 'popular music' can refer to any music that is currently liked by many people, including rock or hip-hop.

You can say 'He is gaining popularity' or 'He is becoming increasingly popular.' Both are natural ways to express this.

No, 'popular by' is incorrect. You should use 'popular with' or 'popular among.' For example, 'The book is popular with children.'

It means 'even though most people think this is true, it is actually false.' It is a common way to introduce a surprising fact.

The noun form is 'popularity.' For example, 'The popularity of the new movie is amazing.'

It is a medium-strength word. If you want something stronger, you can use 'beloved' or 'adored.' If you want something weaker, you can use 'well-liked.'

Yes, 'popular prices' means prices that are low enough for ordinary people to afford. It is often used in advertising.

Yes, 'popular science' refers to science that is written for the general public rather than for experts.