popularity

Etymology

popular + -ity, from Latin popularitas (“an effort to please the people”).

noun

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
   This destination has increased in popularity after great reviews in the guide books.
   Politicians are rarely known for their popularity.
   The massive popularity of the book led to it being adapted into a movie.
2. (archaic) The quality or state of being adapted or pleasing to common, poor, or vulgar people
   So this Gallant, labouring to avoid Popularity, falls into a habit of Affectation, Ten thousand times hatefuller than the former. 1600, Ben Jonson, Every Man Out of His Humour
   1. (by extension) cheapness; inferiority; vulgarity.
3. (archaic) Something which obtains, or is intended to obtain, the favor of the vulgar; claptrap.
   Popularities, and circumstances which […] sway the ordinary judgment. 1597, Francis Bacon, The Colours or Good and Evil
4. (obsolete) The act of courting the favour of the people.
   Cato (the younger) charged Muraena, and indicted him in open court for popularity and ambition. 1603, Plutarch, translated by Philemon Holland, Moralia
5. (archaic) Public sentiment; general passion.