POPULARITY • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Popularity

Add this Dictionary
to your website!
See more options...

/pˌɑpjəlˈɛrəti/ Listen

noun

Popularity n. (pl. popularities)

The quality or state of being popular; especially, the state of being esteemed by, or of being in favor with, the people at large; good will or favor proceeding from the people; as, the popularity of a law, statesman, or a book. "A popularity which has lasted down to our time."

The quality or state of being adapted or pleasing to common, poor, or vulgar people; hence, cheapness; inferiority; vulgarity. "This gallant laboring to avoid popularity falls into a habit of affectation."

Something which obtains, or is intended to obtain, the favor of the vulgar; claptrap. "Popularities, and circumstances which... sway the ordinary judgment."

The act of courting the favor of the people. (Obs.) "Indicted... for popularity and ambition."

Public sentiment; general passion. (R.) "A little time be allowed for the madness of popularity to cease."

See images of 'Popularity'

Etymology of 'Popularity'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

Share |

"Popularity" Quotes from Famous Books

... back hardly further than a hundred years. It reached its greatest popularity in the Highlands at the time when the late Queen and Prince Albert were in residence at Balmoral. Solomon, Hector, and Bran were among the Balmoral hounds. Bran was an especially fine animal—one of the best of his time, standing ...

— Dogs and All About Them • Robert Leighton

... investigated the matter they reported that the carpenter was an excellent citizen and that there was no reason to proceed against him. But the old-fashioned leaders of the Jewish faith, according to Joseph, were much upset. They greatly disliked his popularity with the masses of the poorer Hebrews. The "Nazarene" (so they told Pilatus) had publicly claimed that a Greek or a Roman or even a Philistine, who tried to live a decent and honourable life, was quite as good as a Jew ...

— The Story of Mankind • Hendrik van Loon

... friend—one of the proprietors. Anyone following his work in Punch must have noticed that he was a hypochondriac. Hypochondriasis was a disease with him, he was always thinking of his health, and I fear that sudden burst of popularity following the success of "Trilby," in place of bracing him up, made him dwell somewhat more upon his state of health, and ...

— The Confessions of a Caricaturist, Vol. 1 (of 2) • Harry Furniss

... public opinion and the conservator of public morals. During the few months of its existence, the paper was conducted without ability; advocated no good cause; favored no measures for promoting the public interest or welfare; attained no measure of popularity; and its discontinuance inspired no regret, but was felt ...

— A Sketch of the Causes, Operations and Results of the San Francisco Vigilance Committee of 1856 • Stephen Palfrey Webb

... Pope Gregory (perhaps St. Gregory II.). It is specially said of him that he was careful to offer Holy Mass every day. His life was one of stern discipline. He laboured in the northern districts of Scotland, and his popularity is shown by the numerous dedications ...

— A Calendar of Scottish Saints • Michael Barrett

More quotes...