DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Pop·u·lar·i·ty n.; pl. Popularities
 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.”
 5. Public sentiment; general passion. [R.]
    A little time be allowed for the madness of popularity to cease.   --Bancroft.
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