01 n. 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 wil…
pl.
Popularities ((#))
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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.
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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.
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3.
Something which obtains, or is intended to obtain, the favor of the vulgar; claptrap.“Popularities, and circumstances which . . . sway the ordinary judgment.” — Bacon.
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4.
The act of courting the favor of the people.[Obs.]
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5.
Public sentiment; general passion.[R.]“A little time be allowed for the madness of popularity to cease.” — Bancroft.