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How to Say Popular: Pronunciation, Definition
Master the pronunciation and meaning of popular, explore its origins, learn alternatives, and see common phrases in this complete guide.
How to Pronounce Popular
How to Pronounce "Popular"
Break the word: Divide "popular" into three parts – "pop", "u", and "lar".
First syllable "pop": Say it like the word "pop" (as in pop music). This syllable is strong and clear.
Second syllable "u": Pronounce it as "yoo". Make a smooth "y" sound at the beginning, similar to the start of the word "you".
Third syllable "lar": Finish with a soft "ler". It sounds like "luh" with a light and gentle ending.
Practice the flow: Combine them slowly at first: "POP-yoo-ler". The stress is on the first syllable, so say "POP" a bit louder than "yoo" and "ler".
Final tip: If you are unsure, try saying the word in parts and then gradually speed up until it sounds natural.
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What Does Popular Mean
What Does "Popular" Mean?
Popular means that many people like, use, or know about something or someone.
Common: It is something that is found or seen often because many people are involved with it.
Well-known: When you say something is popular, you mean that it is recognized by a lot of people.
Admired: It can also mean that many people have a positive opinion about that person, idea, or thing.
For example, a popular song is one that many people enjoy and play frequently. A popular restaurant is a place where lots of people like to eat.
When you use popular in a sentence, you might say: “The park is popular because families from all over the city come to visit.” This shows that many people use the park and like it.
What Does "Popular" Mean?
Popular means that many people like, use, or know about something or someone.
Common: It is something that is found or seen often because many people are involved with it.
Well-known: When you say something is popular, you mean that it is recognized by a lot of people.
Admired: It can also mean that many people have a positive opinion about that person, idea, or thing.
For example, a popular song is one that many people enjoy and play frequently. A popular restaurant is a place where lots of people like to eat.
When you use popular in a sentence, you might say: “The park is popular because families from all over the city come to visit.” This shows that many people use the park and like it.
The Origin of the Word Popular
Exploring the Etymology of Popular
The English word popular comes from the Latin word popularis, which means "of the people" or "common to the people." This Latin word is related to populus, meaning "people" or "the public." As Latin influenced many European languages, the word traveled through time and changes.
Latin Roots: The original Latin word popularis was used to describe things that belonged to or were common among the people.
Old French Influence: The word was later adopted in Old French as populaire. In this language, it kept a similar meaning, referring to something that was widely shared among the people.
Arrival in English: By the mid-16th century, the word made its way into the English language. Over time, its meaning expanded to include things that are generally liked or admired by a large number of people.
Modern Usage: Today, popular is used not only to describe something that belongs to the people, but also to indicate widespread approval or general acceptance. For example, we talk about popular culture, popular opinion, or a popular song.
This history shows a clear connection between the everyday people (populus) and the concept of being widely accepted or enjoyed. Understanding this origin helps us see that the idea of something being popular is deeply rooted in its association with "the people."
Exploring the Etymology of Popular
The English word popular comes from the Latin word popularis, which means "of the people" or "common to the people." This Latin word is related to populus, meaning "people" or "the public." As Latin influenced many European languages, the word traveled through time and changes.
Latin Roots: The original Latin word popularis was used to describe things that belonged to or were common among the people.
Old French Influence: The word was later adopted in Old French as populaire. In this language, it kept a similar meaning, referring to something that was widely shared among the people.
Arrival in English: By the mid-16th century, the word made its way into the English language. Over time, its meaning expanded to include things that are generally liked or admired by a large number of people.
Modern Usage: Today, popular is used not only to describe something that belongs to the people, but also to indicate widespread approval or general acceptance. For example, we talk about popular culture, popular opinion, or a popular song.
This history shows a clear connection between the everyday people (populus) and the concept of being widely accepted or enjoyed. Understanding this origin helps us see that the idea of something being popular is deeply rooted in its association with "the people."
What to Say Instead Popular
Famous
Similarity: Like "popular," it denotes being widely recognized and known by many people.
Usage: "The famous author’s books have captivated readers around the globe."
Famous
Similarity: Like "popular," it denotes being widely recognized and known by many people.
Usage: "The famous author’s books have captivated readers around the globe."
Well-known
Similarity: Emphasizes that someone or something is recognized by a large audience, much like "popular."
Usage: "That well-known restaurant attracts diners from every part of the city."
Well-known
Similarity: Emphasizes that someone or something is recognized by a large audience, much like "popular."
Usage: "That well-known restaurant attracts diners from every part of the city."
Renowned
Similarity: Highlights a reputation that extends widely, suggesting a level of respect and admiration similar to "popular."
Usage: "The renowned scientist was invited to speak at the international conference."
Renowned
Similarity: Highlights a reputation that extends widely, suggesting a level of respect and admiration similar to "popular."
Usage: "The renowned scientist was invited to speak at the international conference."
Celebrated
Similarity: Implies public acknowledgment and widespread acclaim, aligning closely with the idea of being popular.
Usage: "The celebrated musician received awards for her contributions to the industry."
Celebrated
Similarity: Implies public acknowledgment and widespread acclaim, aligning closely with the idea of being popular.
Usage: "The celebrated musician received awards for her contributions to the industry."
Acclaimed
Similarity: Indicates being highly praised and recognized across a broad audience, much like "popular."
Usage: "The acclaimed film broke box office records during its opening weekend."
Acclaimed
Similarity: Indicates being highly praised and recognized across a broad audience, much like "popular."
Usage: "The acclaimed film broke box office records during its opening weekend."
Trendy
Similarity: Suggests that something is in style or fashionable, often resulting in widespread popularity.
Usage: "The trendy café became the hotspot for young professionals looking for a relaxed atmosphere."
Trendy
Similarity: Suggests that something is in style or fashionable, often resulting in widespread popularity.
Usage: "The trendy café became the hotspot for young professionals looking for a relaxed atmosphere."
Common Phrases and Examples with Popular
1. The new movie became popular very quickly.
Explanation: In this sentence, "popular" means that many people liked the movie soon after it was released.
1. The new movie became popular very quickly.
Explanation: In this sentence, "popular" means that many people liked the movie soon after it was released.
2. Soccer is a popular sport in many countries.
Explanation: Here, "popular" shows that a lot of people enjoy playing and watching soccer around the world.
2. Soccer is a popular sport in many countries.
Explanation: Here, "popular" shows that a lot of people enjoy playing and watching soccer around the world.
3. My friend is a popular singer in our town.
Explanation: In this case, "popular" means that many people in the town like and admire her singing.
3. My friend is a popular singer in our town.
Explanation: In this case, "popular" means that many people in the town like and admire her singing.
4. That restaurant is popular among students.
Explanation: The word "popular" indicates that many students choose to eat at and enjoy the restaurant.
4. That restaurant is popular among students.
Explanation: The word "popular" indicates that many students choose to eat at and enjoy the restaurant.
5. The popular book was on the best-seller list for weeks.
Explanation: Here, "popular" means the book was well-liked and read by many, making it a top seller.
5. The popular book was on the best-seller list for weeks.
Explanation: Here, "popular" means the book was well-liked and read by many, making it a top seller.
6. He is popular on social media for his funny posts.
Explanation: In this sentence, "popular" implies that many people follow him and enjoy his humorous posts online.
6. He is popular on social media for his funny posts.
Explanation: In this sentence, "popular" implies that many people follow him and enjoy his humorous posts online.
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