What does popularly mean?
Popularly is an adverb meaning commonly, generally, or in accordance with the views and preferences of the public. It often appears before a participle, as in phrases such as popularly believed, popularly known, and popularly used. In these contexts, it may describe what most people think or do without implying that the claim is objectively true or universally accepted. Popularly can also indicate broad appeal: a complicated subject may be explained popularly, meaning in an accessible way suited to a general audience. The word is useful because it distinguishes widespread custom or perception from specialized, technical, or merely individual opinion. It should not automatically be replaced with universally, since popular belief can vary between communities and can change over time. Historically, popularly is an English formation based on the adjective popular, which ultimately comes from a Latin word meaning of the people.
adverbGenerally or commonly; in accordance with popular opinion or with broad public appeal.
- Generally or commonly, as most people understand, believe, or use something.
- In a way intended to appeal to a broad audience or suit general tastes.
"The legend is popularly believed to have originated in medieval Scotland."
"It is popularly believed that the recipe originated in the nineteenth century."
"The complex subject was presented in a way that was popularly accessible."
Popularly can turn an individual belief into a social-sounding consensus without saying how many people actually share it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of popularly
Popularly derives from the English adjective popular, which was borrowed from Latin popularis, meaning of or belonging to the people, from populus, meaning people. The English adverb was formed by adding the suffix -ly to popular. Related Latin-derived English words include populace, population, and populate.
How popularly is actually used
Popularly is common in formal and informal writing, especially before participles such as believed, known, used, and regarded. It often refers to prevailing public opinion rather than established fact, while expressions such as popularly known can mean generally known rather than known by absolutely everyone.
Easily confused with popularly
Popular is normally an adjective meaning favored or appreciated by many people, whereas popularly is an adverb meaning commonly, generally, or in a way appealing to the public.