Words / C1

POP-y-uh-list/ˈpɒpjəlɪst/

Populist (also a noun) means claiming to speak for ordinary people against elites; it is not merely “liked”: populist packed-hall copy, a populist cut. Popular (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a crowd vibe is not a count.

Meaning

Claiming to speak for ordinary people against elites (also noun; from popular, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Populist packed-hall copy is still not an occupancy figure; count the seats.”
• “Popular is already in this course. Demotic is the close twin. Packed is a vibe. A number on a certificate is the rule. Count the seats; then keep the copy if the cap still holds.”

Good to know

Claiming to speak for “the people”. Everyday: popular (already in the dictionary). Packed copy ≠ a count.

Near in meaning

anti-elite, demotic, grass-roots

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