What is popular? Pronunciation and usage in English

popular means . Learn how to pronounce and use popular through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of popular

popularadjective

/ˈpɒpjʊlə/
Definition & pronunciation of popular

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "popular." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • po - Like the beginning of "pot" or "phone" - a short, quick "uh" sound.
  • pu - This is the most challenging part. It sounds like "poon" but with a slightly different lip shape. Think of saying "poon" but rounding your lips just a little more. It's more of a "oo" sound than a full "oo" like in "blue."
  • lar - Like "luh-r" – a short "uh" followed by a quick "r."
  • -ity - This is a silent "ity" at the end.

2. Putting it Together - The Rhythm:

The key is the rhythm. It's not just about saying each syllable perfectly.

Here are a few ways to approach it:

3. Common Mispronunciations and How to Fix Them:

  • Saying "pop-u-lar": This is very common. It's missing the crucial "poon" sound.
  • Overly emphasized "r": The "r" is quick, not drawn out.

Tips for Practice:

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "popular" and then compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.
  • Shadowing: Listen to a native speaker and repeat what they say immediately after, trying to mimic their rhythm and intonation.

In short, aim for: "poo-n-luh-r-ih-tee" with a quick, slightly rounded "poon” sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some more examples of words with similar sounds?
  • Provide a video link for you to watch?

Usage and examples with the word popular in English

Let's break down how to use the word "popular" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with several nuances. Here's a detailed explanation, broken down into categories:

1. Basic Meaning: Well-Liked & Well-Known

  • Most Common Use: “Popular” generally means something or someone is liked or enjoyed by a large number of people.
    • Example: "That band is popular with teenagers." (They're liked by many teenagers.)
    • Example: “Chocolate ice cream is popular in the summer.” (It’s a favorite choice for many people during that season.)

2. Adjective – Describing People, Things, and Ideas

  • Describing People:

    • “A popular celebrity”: Someone who is widely known and admired.
    • “A popular politician”: Someone who has a lot of support among the public.
    • “A popular teacher”: A teacher who is well-regarded and liked by students.
    • Note: "Popular" can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation when describing people, implying they are trendy or superficial. Be mindful of the context.

  • Describing Things:

    • “A popular movie”: A movie that many people have seen and enjoyed.
    • “A popular restaurant”: A restaurant with a high volume of customers and good reviews.
    • “Popular books”: Books that are selling well and are well-regarded.
    • “Popular trends”: Current fashions, styles, or activities that are widely adopted.

  • Describing Ideas/Concepts:

    • “A popular belief”: A widely held opinion or idea.
    • “A popular theory”: A theory that is widely accepted.

3. Adverb – Describing How Something is Performed

  • Meaning: "Popularly" describes how something is done or expressed in a way that is typical or favored by the general public.
    • Example: “The recipe is popularly known as ‘Grandma’s Apple Pie.’” (It's a well-known and traditional recipe.)
    • Example: “He expressed his views popularly to the supporters.” (He communicated his views in a way that resonated with a broad audience.)

4. Phrases Using "Popular"

  • “Popular opinion”: The generally held view of a topic.
  • “Popular demand”: A strong desire for something from a large number of people. (“There was popular demand for the new product.”)
  • “Popular vote”: The total number of votes received by a candidate or party in an election.
  • “Popular culture”: The beliefs, attitudes, and cultural ways of life of a particular society.

5. Important Considerations & Nuances

  • Quantity vs. Quality: "Popular" primarily refers to number of people who like something, not necessarily quality. A popular item might not be the best, but it's liked by many.
  • Subjectivity: “Popular” is subjective. What's popular in one group might not be popular in another.
  • Can Be Used Critically: As mentioned, using "popular" to describe people can sometimes imply a lack of substance or a focus on trends. Be aware of this potential implication.

Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right form:

  • Adjective: Describes what is popular (e.g., "a popular song").
  • Adverb: Describes how something is done or expressed in a popular way (e.g., "He explained it popularly").

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "popular" in? (e.g., a sentence, an essay, a conversation?)
  • What is the context? (e.g., are you writing about trends, celebrities, food, music, etc.)

Synonyms for the word popular

Idioms of the word popular

conventional/received/popular wisdom
the view or belief that most people hold
  • Conventional wisdom has it that riots only ever happen in cities.

Practice with vocabulary popular

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's new streaming service quickly became __________ with young adults, surpassing its competitors in subscriber growth.
  2. Despite its niche appeal, the author's latest novel has become quite __________ among literary critics and a select readership.
  3. The board of directors issued a __________ statement regarding the merger, reassuring employees about their job security.
  4. After extensive deliberation, the committee reached a __________ consensus on the proposed budget adjustments.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms best describes a product or service that garners widespread appeal and is favored by a significant portion of the public? a) Niche b) Obscure c) Popular d) Exclusive
  2. A proposal that receives strong support from various stakeholders and is broadly accepted within an organization can be described as: a) Controversial b) Popular c) Consensual d) Unanimous
  3. Which of these words could characterize a belief system or cultural practice that is currently fashionable and widely embraced by society? a) Obsolete b) Trendy c) Popular d) Archaic
  4. What term describes a phenomenon or concept that is present everywhere or constantly encountered in a particular environment? a) Scant b) Ubiquitous c) Sporadic d) Infrequent
  5. If a research methodology has proven effective over time and is widely recognized and adopted by the scientific community, it is considered: a) Dubious b) Pioneering c) Established d) Marginal

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Due to its innovative features, the new software application is favored by a great number of users.
  2. The speaker's engaging presentation style resonated with almost everyone in the audience.
  3. The latest economic report provided a promising outlook for the upcoming fiscal quarter.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. popular
  2. popular
  3. reassuring
  4. unanimous

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Popular
  2. b) Popular, c) Consensual, d) Unanimous
  3. b) Trendy, c) Popular
  4. b) Ubiquitous
  5. c) Established

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The new software application is very popular among users due to its innovative features.
  2. The speaker's engaging presentation style gained significant popularity with the audience.
  3. The latest economic report provided a favorable outlook for the upcoming fiscal quarter.

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