popularly
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɒpjʊləli/
US
- /ˈpɑpjələrli/
Description
- commonly
- widely
- in general use
- by many people
"Popularly" describes something as it is commonly understood, named, believed, or accepted by many people. It is a little different from "popular," which usually means something is liked. "Popularly" is more about what is widespread among the public. For example, a plant might be popularly known as a "Money Tree," even if its scientific name is different. You can also talk about an idea that is popularly believed, meaning many people think it is true, whether or not it really is. It often appears in phrases like "popularly known as," "popularly believed," and "popularly accepted."
The word "popularly" shows that something is widespread, commonly accepted, or understood by many people. While the adjective "popular" often suggests that something is liked or favored, "popularly" is an adverb that points to general public use, belief, or recognition. It describes how something is commonly viewed, named, discussed, or accepted by ordinary people.
You'll often see "popularly" used when people talk about beliefs, names, or ideas that are common in everyday life but may not be technical or exact. For instance, saying "It is popularly believed that bulls hate the color red" describes a belief many people share. It does not mean people like that belief; it means the belief is widespread. It is also used in political or social contexts, as in a "popularly elected official," meaning a person chosen directly by the voters.
Grammatically, it usually modifies verbs or verb phrases to show that something happens or exists in a broad public way. You might say, "The theory was popularly dismissed in the 19th century," or "The book is popularly considered a masterpiece." The key point is that "popularly" does not simply mean "in a well-liked way." It refers to what many people think, say, or accept, even if experts or smaller groups disagree.
Examples
- 1
Common name
The tower is popularly known as Big Ben.
- 2
Common label
The dish is popularly called fish and chips, even when it comes with mushy peas.
- 3
Common belief
It is popularly believed that carrots help you see better in the dark.
- 4
Popular misconception
Contrary to popularly held belief, the lake is not very deep.
Phrase
popularly held belief
an idea many people believe
- 5
Elections
The mayor is popularly elected every four years.
Phrase
popularly elected
chosen by voters in a public election
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- popularlyadverb