Word
mainstream
Meanings
Widely accepted, popular, or typical for most people in a society.
The set of ideas, culture, or media that is dominant and accepted by the majority.
Definition
Mainstream describes ideas, activities, or media that are widely accepted and popular with most people.
Mainstream refers to what is considered normal, widely liked, or generally accepted by the majority in a society. It is often used for culture, media, opinions, and trends that reach a broad audience. It can be neutral or slightly critical, depending on the context, when contrasted with alternative or niche options.
Examples
- Her research challenges mainstream assumptions about how people learn languages in the workplace.
- I enjoy mainstream films, but I still look for directors who take real creative risks.
- The band moved into the mainstream after one track went viral across multiple platforms.
- They felt their views were ignored by the mainstream, so they built their own online community.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "in mainstream" instead of the more natural "in the mainstream" when referring to dominant culture or opinion.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.