Popularity is the quality of being well-liked or common, or having a high social status. Popularity figures are an important part of many people's personal value systems and form a vital component of success in people-oriented fields such as management, politics, and entertainment, among others.

Borrowed from the Latin popularis in 1490, originally meant common or "belonging to the people". The use of the word popular to mean the "fact or condition of being beloved by the people" is seen originally in 1601.

Many different variations of popularity exist, and many ways in which to gain it. General popularity usually involves respect in two directions: a popular person is respected by peers and will reciprocate that respect, thus reinforcing the belief of deserving the popularity. Likewise, amicability is an important component of popularity, as a person who does not like others is unlikely to be liked by others. This reciprocal nature of interpersonal popularity is often overlooked by people (particularly the young) who are attempting to become popular: being loud may be successful in gaining attention, but is unlikely to provide mutual respect.

Humor may also be a viable means of increasing one's popularity, as there are few people in the world who do not warm to somebody who amuses them.

Neuroimaging identifies the anterior insula and anterior cingulate as key areas in the brain determining whether people prefer something in regard to its being popular with their peer group. The influence of ones peer group upon is strongest during adolescence.

Noun

popularity (usually uncountable; plural 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.
2. (archaic) 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. — Ben Jonson.

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

   Popularities, and circumstances which […] sway the ordinary judgment. — Bacon.

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

   Indicted […] for popularity and ambition. — Holland.

5. (archaic) Public sentiment; general passion.

   A little time be allowed for the madness of popularity to cease. — Bancroft.

• popularity contest

Popularity is the quality of being well-liked or common, or having a high social status. Popularity figures are an important part of many people's personal value systems and form a vital component of success in people-oriented fields such as management, politics, and entertainment, among others.