popularly understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "popularly understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concept or idea that is widely recognized or accepted by the general public. Example: "The term 'climate change' is popularly understood to refer to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Jewishness as popularly understood is something altogether more brash.

The Guardian - Books

I do not believe that "repression," as popularly understood, exists.

The New York Times

But despite that, Obama's record, told with excruciating but powerfully persuasive detail, has been far better than is popularly understood.

The New Yorker

My guess is that it involves the operation of a faculty that is not popularly understood to be a sense, like sight or smell.

The New York Times - Arts

This time, however, the judges ruled that "white persons" was "synonymous with the word 'Caucasian' only as that word is popularly understood".

The New Yorker

Little is popularly understood about a religion that traces its origins to the revelations granted a 14-year-old son of a farmer in 1820 in Palmyra, N.Y.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Moreover, it can popularly be understood as a particular case of structural equation modeling (SEM).

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

The notion of karma, as it is popularly and wrongly understood (as in, you get what you deserve) is an imposition of meaning, but tempting for those who are sensitive to their own acts of wrongdoing.

Huffington Post

Although Williams allows that some political actions that are popularly believed to be morally dubious, may well be morally acceptable when circumstances are properly understood, he casts a pretty wide net for the morally disagreeable.

SEP

Although popularly remembered as a tale of the triumph of rugged Protestant male individualism, the raid is better understood not along the lines of Turner's thesis, but as an account of the strong factors of community life and cross-cultural interaction in border communities.

Wikipedia

For those who are capitalizing on the fascination, the appeal of caps -- or fronts, as they are popularly called -- is easy to understand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "popularly understood" to clarify that you are referring to a common interpretation, not necessarily a precise or technical definition. This is especially useful when discussing concepts that may have nuances or complexities beyond general public awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "popularly understood" as a substitute for a clear definition or explanation, particularly in formal writing. While it acknowledges a common perception, it doesn't negate the need for specific details when precision is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "popularly understood" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically an adjunct, that qualifies how something is perceived or interpreted. It indicates that a concept or term is being used in its common, rather than technical, sense. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in setting the context for a common, widely-held, understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "popularly understood" serves as a qualifier, indicating a common or widespread interpretation of a term or concept. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, especially in news and media. While it's helpful for establishing a baseline understanding, it's crucial to avoid using it as a replacement for clear definitions, particularly in formal settings. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, understanding the specific purpose and target audience is vital when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly known

Focuses on the widespread awareness of something.

generally accepted

Emphasizes the broad agreement on a particular idea or concept.

widely believed

Highlights the prevalence of a particular belief among people.

publicly perceived

Focuses on how something is viewed or interpreted by the public.

ordinarily understood

Stresses the conventional or typical interpretation of something.

typically viewed

Highlights the standard or usual way something is seen.

in the popular consciousness

Emphasizes something being part of the shared knowledge of the public.

as the average person knows

Focuses on the common knowledge held by the typical individual.

as most people think

Focuses on the prevailing thought or opinion among the majority.

by common consent

Highlights agreement among people about something.

FAQs

How can I use "popularly understood" in a sentence?

You can use "popularly understood" to indicate a common, albeit potentially simplified, interpretation of a concept. For example, "Quantum physics, as "popularly understood", involves particles behaving in unpredictable ways."

What are some alternatives to "popularly understood"?

Alternatives include "commonly known", "generally accepted", or "widely believed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "popularly understood" or provide a detailed explanation?

It depends on your audience and purpose. "Popularly understood" is useful when you want to acknowledge a common interpretation without delving into complex details. However, a detailed explanation is necessary when accuracy and precision are paramount.

How does "popularly understood" differ from "scientifically proven"?

"Popularly understood" refers to a common belief or interpretation, while "scientifically proven" indicates that something has been verified through rigorous scientific testing. They are not interchangeable; the former reflects public perception, while the latter reflects empirical evidence.