populous

Everyday

A populous place has a lot of people living in it. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons, China and India are the most populous countries, and Lagos and Tokyo are among the most populous cities; maps of population density show populous areas darker. In maths, «the most populous» means the one with the biggest number of people. Common phrases: «the most populous country», «a populous city», «densely populous» (rare; «densely populated» is common).

Examples

• India is now the most populous country in the world. tree →
• California is the most populous state in the USA. tree →
• New South Wales is Australia's most populous state. tree →
• London is a populous city. tree →
• The north of the island is less populous than the south. tree →
• Which is the most populous continent? Asia. tree →
• Then this wicked enchantress changed the capital, which was a very populous and flourishing city, into the lake and desert plain you saw. tree →

Note

Homophone trap: «populous» (adjective: having many people) sounds exactly like «populace» (noun: the ordinary people of a country). Also common: «densely populated». In maths, «more populous» means a larger population number, not a larger area.

In Jewish tradition

This is part of the declaration made when bringing first fruits. It is also read at the Passover Seder, where it tells the story of Israel's start in slavery. Job's populous city is a place where the groans of the wounded are heard. In the primary lessons: In geography lessons, China and India are the most populous countries, and Lagos and Tokyo are among the most populous cities; maps of population density show populous areas darker. In maths, «the most populous» means the one with the biggest number of people. Common phrases: «the most populous country», «a populous city», «densely populous» (rare; «densely populated» is common).

Examples

• And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God: 'A wandering Aramean was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there, few in number; and he became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous. (Torah DEU.26.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• From out of the populous city men groan, and the soul of the wounded crieth out; yet God imputeth it not for unseemliness. (Writings JOB.24.12, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Homophone trap: «populous» (adjective: having many people) sounds exactly like «populace» (noun: the ordinary people of a country). Also common: «densely populated». In maths, «more populous» means a larger population number, not a larger area.