en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

"Popular" vs. "famous": what sets them apart?

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem Today, 09:50
English.me team member
Popular and famous. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "popular" and "famous" describe something or someone well-known by many people and commonly associated with public recognition.

What is different?

"Popular" refers to being liked, admired, or supported by many people, often emphasizing approval or acceptance. "Famous" means widely known, but does not always imply that the person or thing is well-liked, only that they are recognized by many.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for popular) and famous

Examples of usage

Popular
  • The new restaurant has become very popular in town.
  • She is a popular teacher among her students.
  • Soccer is a popular sport around the world.
Famous
  • He became famous after winning the award.
  • Paris is famous for its beautiful architecture.
  • The scientist is famous for her groundbreaking discoveries.