Popularity

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌpɒp.jəˈlæɹ.ɪ.ti/

Definitions

1. The state of being liked, admired, or supported by many people
2. The trait of being well-liked, esteemed, or sought after among a considerable number of people
3. The condition of being favored, recognized, or appreciated by a large group of individuals in a particular context

Etymology: Popularity is a fairly plain formation: it is the noun "popular" with the suffix "-ity" added, and "popular" itself came into English from French, which took it from Latin "popularis," meaning belonging to the people. The Latin root "populus" (the people) runs through a large family of English words, from "public" to "populate." The more striking detail lies in the Latin source behind the suffix. The Latin "popularitas" meant "an effort to please the people," so the word began life describing a political strategy rather than the quiet state of being liked. A politician courting the crowd was the original picture, and the modern sense of being well-liked grew out of that idea of winning the public's favour.

Synonyms: fame, notoriety, renown, celebrity, status

Antonyms: obscurity, unpopularity, disfavor