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Populace vs. Populous: Understanding the Difference

Emily Grant, a linguist and writer, simplifies English language nuances with 10+ years of experience in grammar and word usage.

Are you confused about when to use populace versus populous? These two words sound similar but have distinct meanings and uses. In this article, we’ll explore their definitions, provide examples, and help you use them correctly in your writing.

Key Differences

Meaning of Each Word

Populace

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The people living in a particular area or country.

Examples:

  • “The populace celebrated the national holiday with enthusiasm.”
  • “The government’s decision was well-received by the local populace.”

Populous

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Having a large population; densely populated.

Examples:

  • “Tokyo is one of the most populous cities in the world.”
  • “This region has become more populous due to urbanization.”

How to Remember the Difference?

  • Populace: Think of “people” — it refers to the group of individuals in an area.
  • Populous: Think of “population density” — it describes places with many people.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incorrect: “The populous cheered loudly during the parade.”
    Correct: “The populace cheered loudly during the parade.”
  • Incorrect: “This is a highly populace area.”
    Correct: “This is a highly populous area.”

Comparison Table

Characteristic Populace Populous
Part of Speech Noun Adjective
Definition The people in a particular area Having a large population
Examples “The populace celebrated the event.” “New York is a populous city.”

Key Phrases for Usage

Populace:

  • “The local populace”
  • “The populace’s reaction”

Populous:

  • “A populous region”
  • “One of the most populous areas”

Practical Exercises for Readers

Fill in the blanks with the correct word (populace or populous):

  • 1. “The mayor addressed the ____ during the town hall meeting.”
  • 2. “India is known for being one of the most ____ countries in the world.”
  • 3. “The ____ of the city rallied together to support the cause.”
  • 4. “Urban planning is essential for managing highly ____ areas.”

Answers:

  • 1. Populace
  • 2. Populous
  • 3. Populace
  • 4. Populous

Conclusion

To summarize, populace refers to the people in a specific area, while populous describes places with a large population. Understanding these distinctions will help you communicate more effectively and avoid common errors in your writing.

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