popularize

Popularize is a verb meaning to make something widely known, accepted, or liked by a broad audience, or to promote its use. It can refer to disseminating information, ideas, or technologies through accessible language and channels that reach non-specialist audiences. The term is formed from the adjective popular plus the suffix -ize, indicating the process of making something more popular.

In practice, popularization activities include science communication, educational outreach, media coverage, and public demonstrations. The goal is to reduce barriers to understanding and to widen the audience for a concept, product, or practice. The spelling popularize (American English) or popularise (British English) is a matter of regional variation, not meaning.

Usage notes: popularize is neutral in itself, but it can carry different implications. It can imply simplification or reformulation for broader appeal, which may risk oversimplification or distortion if accuracy and context are not preserved. Critics emphasize that effective popularization should maintain nuance while making information accessible.

Examples: Researchers often seek to popularize their findings through public lectures, accessible articles, or educational videos. Technologies, policies, or cultural trends can be popularized through tutorials, media coverage, or influencer endorsements.

See also: science communication, public outreach, dissemination, popular science, popularizer, popularization.