POPULARITY

popularity

(noun) the quality of being widely admired or accepted or sought after; “his charm soon won him affection and popularity”; “the universal popularity of American movies”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

popularity (usually uncountable, plural 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

(archaic) The quality or state of being adapted or pleasing to common, poor, or vulgar people; hence, cheapness; inferiority; vulgarity.

(archaic) Something which obtains, or is intended to obtain, the favor of the vulgar; claptrap.

(obsolete) The act of courting the favour of the people.

(archaic) Public sentiment; general passion.

Source: Wiktionary

Pop`u*lar"i*ty, n.; pl. Popularities. Etym: [L. popularitas an effort to please the people: cf. F. popularité.]

1. 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. Macaulay.

2. 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. B. Jonson.

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

4. The act of courting the favor of the people. [Obs.] "Indicted . . . for popularity and ambition." Holland.

5. Public sentiment; general passion. [R.] A little time be allowed for the madness of popularity to cease. Bancroft.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition