famous

[fey-muhs]

adjective

1. having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated.

   a famous writer.

   Synonyms: illustrious, notable, famed
   Antonyms: obscure, unknown

2. Informal.,  first-rate; excellent.

   The singer gave a famous performance.

3. unfavorably known; notorious.

   In my family, my uncle is famous for his bad jokes.

famous

/ ˈfeɪməs /

adjective

1. known to or recognized by many people; renowned

2. informal,  excellent; splendid

3. archaic,  of ill repute

Other Word Forms

• famousness noun
• famously adverb
• overfamous adjective
• prefamous adjective
• prefamously adverb
• pseudofamous adjective
• pseudofamously adverb
• quasi-famous adjective
• quasi-famously adverb
• unfamous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of famous¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin fāmōsus; fame, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of famous¹

C14: from Latin fāmōsus ; see _fame

Synonym Study

Famous, celebrated, eminent, distinguished refer to someone or something widely and favorably known. Famous is the general word: a famous lighthouse. Celebrated originally referred to something commemorated, but now usually refers to someone or something widely known for conspicuous merit, services, etc.: a celebrated writer. Eminent implies high standing among one's contemporaries, especially in one's own profession or craft: an eminent physician. Distinguished adds to eminent the idea of honors conferred more or less publicly: a distinguished scientist.

Example Sentences

A famous architect once said, “God is in the details.”

From Los Angeles Times

Her most famous role was to present the trophies at Wimbledon, where - it was reported - she was instrumental in ending the tradition of players bowing and curtsying when passing the royal box.

From BBC

Then there’s Sade’s “Young Lion,” a tolling piano ballad in which the famous soul singer asks her son to forgive her for not recognizing his gender identity earlier than she did.

From Los Angeles Times

Midjourney offers its subscribers use of an image generator to create high-resolution digital depictions, including famous characters like Batman.

From Los Angeles Times

It manifested itself with regular protests outside games, with one prominent banner delivering a nod to legendary former captain Danny Blanchflower's famous phrase.

From BBC

Related Words

• acclaimed www.thesaurus.com
• brilliant 
• distinguished 
• eminent 
• excellent 
• glorious 
• grand 
• great 
• honored 
• illustrious 
• important 
• influential 
• leading 
• memorable 
• noted 
• notorious 
• outstanding 
• powerful 
• preeminent 
• prominent