popularly
UK[ˈpɒpjələli]US[ˈpɑːpjələrli]
adv
By most people; generally.
adv
In a way that is intended to be understood or liked by ordinary people.
Morpheme Breakdown
popul
ar
ly
popul
people
ar
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'popularly' is built upon the Latin root populus, meaning 'the people'. This root entered English via Old French populeir and formed the adjective 'popular', meaning 'of or pertaining to the common people'. The addition of the adverbial suffix '-ly', a prolific Germanic formative, transformed it to describe an action done in a manner relating to the populace. Thus, the literal construction 'in a people-related manner' evolved to signify concepts of widespread acceptance, common understanding, and general prevalence.
Analysis
Structure: popul (people) + ar (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- popul: From Latin populus (the people, a nation). Serves as the core root conveying the sense of 'the common people'.
- ar: A suffix of Latin origin (-aris) used to form adjectives meaning 'of, relating to, or connected with'.
- ly: An adverb-forming suffix from Old English -līce, used to indicate manner or quality.
Examples
The theory is popularly believed to be true.
He is popularly known by his nickname.
The festival is popularly associated with the beginning of spring.