What does popularisation mean?
Popularisation is the process of making a subject, idea, product, practice, or cultural form widely known and accepted. It commonly refers to the communication of specialist knowledge or creative work to a broad audience, as in the popularisation of science, the popularisation of jazz, or the popularisation of a new technology. The word can imply democratisation and accessibility, but it may also simply describe the spread of something through the media and popular culture. It is distinct from popularity, which names the resulting condition rather than the process. The related verb is popularise in British English and popularize in American English, while popularisation and popularization correspond as the noun forms.
nounThe process of making something known, popular, or widely accepted among the general public. It refers especially to the promotion or dissemination of an idea, product, practice, or cultural trend.
- The process of making something popular or widely known and accepted.
"The popularisation of the documentary led to a surge of interest in the subject."
"The popularisation of streaming services changed how people watch television."
"Her work was instrumental in the popularisation of contemporary dance."
Plural forms are uncommon but follow the standard rules of English noun formation.
"The museum has organised several popularisations of local history."
Popularisation turns something specialist into something the public can recognise, discuss, and perhaps embrace.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does popularisation come from?
Popularisation derives from popular, which comes from the Latin popularis, meaning ‘of the people’ or ‘belonging to the people,’ ultimately from populus, ‘people.’ The verb popularize developed in the early 19th century with the meaning ‘to make popular’ or ‘to popularise.’ Its noun form follows the same pattern in both British and American English, differing chiefly in the pronunciation and spelling of the final syllable.
Related word forms
How popularisation is actually used
The word is especially used for the spread of ideas, cultural practices, products, or creative works among the general public. It can suggest a positive process of making something accessible, or a more neutral historical description. The spelling with -s is standard in British English; -z is common in American English.
Easily confused with popularisation
Popularisation is the process of making something popular, whereas popularity is the state or quality of being popular.