popular
gb/pˈɑpjəlɚ/ us/pˈɑpjəlɚ/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Liked by many people
Liked or enjoyed by many people.
Usage pattern:
[something] is popular with [someone/group]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'popular' with 'famous'. 'Popular' focuses on being liked by many, while 'famous' means being well-known, even if not liked.
Synonyms
well-liked (More personal and emotional approval than 'popular', often on a smaller scale.)
Antonyms
unpopular (Describes something that most people do not like or support.)
Collocations
popular choice
|popular culture
|popular demand
|popular music
|popular opinion
Themes
society
|culture
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|emotions
Examples
- This restaurant is very popular with tourists.
- Soccer is the most popular sport in the country.
- The new phone model became popular almost overnight.
- She’s one of the most popular teachers at the school.
Learner examples
- Pizza is popular with children.
- The movie is popular in my city.
- He is a popular singer.
- Summer is a popular time for travel.
adjective
B1
property
2
For general public use or appeal
Made for or easy for most people to understand or enjoy.
Usage pattern:
[something] is popular among [group]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'popular' here with 'trendy', but 'trendy' focuses on short-term fashion, while this sense is about broad accessibility.
Synonyms
mainstream (Often refers to ideas or products widely accepted by the majority.)
Antonyms
specialized (Intended for a narrow group with specific knowledge or skills.)
Collocations
popular press
|popular version
|popular science
Themes
society
|media
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Examples
- The magazine publishes articles on popular science.
- He writes books that make complex ideas more popular and easy to read.
- The show has a popular appeal that crosses age groups.
Learner examples
- The newspaper writes about popular science.
- This book is a popular history of art.
- The TV show has popular stories for all ages.
Grammar
Dictionary form
popular
IPA
GB/pˈɑpjəlɚ/
US/pˈɑpjəlɚ/
Syllables & stress
pop - u - lar (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pop)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: popular
Word family
Core family
popularity
noun B1
popularize
verb C1
Related words
popularly
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unpopular
adjective B1
unpopularity
noun
Advanced or less common
popularization
noun C1
Expressions
popular demand
1/pˈɑpjəlɚ dɪmˈænd/
fixed phrase
Public request for continuation
When many people ask for something to happen again or stay available.
Examples
- Due to popular demand, the play will run for another week.
- The product was brought back by popular demand.
popular opinion
1/pˈɑpjəlɚ əpˈɪnjən/
fixed phrase
Belief held by most people
What most people think about something.
Examples
- Contrary to popular opinion, the game is not easy to learn.
- Popular opinion supports the new law.
popular culture
1/pˈɑpjəlɚ kˈʌlt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
Mainstream entertainment and ideas
Music, movies, TV, and other things that most people like and know about.
Examples
- The movie had a big impact on popular culture.
- Superhero movies are a big part of popular culture today.
- Popular culture changes quickly with new technology.
- Social media has changed popular culture.