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Definition of popularize

popularize

/ˈpɑːpjələraɪz/
(UK: popularise)
pop · u · lar · ize
Adverb:popularly
•
Adjective:popular
•
Past Simple:popularized
•
Past Participle:popularized
•
Present Participle:popularizing
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popularize Lexical Profile

popularize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause something, such as a product, style, or practice, to become widely known, liked, or adopted by the general public.

Example

"The famous chef helped popularize traditional Mediterranean dishes across North America through her television series."

2

To present complex scientific, academic, or technical subjects in a clear, accessible manner that non-specialists can easily understand.

Example

"Carl Sagan dedicated much of his career to writing books that sought to popularize astronomy and astrophysics for everyday readers."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for popularize

• Nearby Words

popular
popularity
popularization
popularize
popularizer
popularly
populate

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 18th century from the adjective 'popular' (ultimately from Latin 'popularis', meaning 'belonging to the people', from 'populus') and the verb-forming suffix '-ize', modeled on French 'populariser'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Popularize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/popularize
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