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

Derived Forms

• ˈfamousness, noun

Other Words From

• famous·ly adverb
• famous·ness noun
• over·famous adjective
• pre·famous adjective
• pre·famous·ly adverb
• pseudo·famous adjective
• pseudo·famous·ly adverb
• quasi-famous adjective
• quasi-famous·ly adverb
• un·famous 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

Since then, Zachary has seemingly become one of the most famous people living in Venice.

From Los Angeles Times

Prescott sometimes had an unconventional way of wooing voters, which on one famous occasion stretched to punching one of them.

From BBC

At the time, the interview became famous after the pair talked about seeing the 123m metre spire in Salisbury.

From BBC

He said he knew the famous theme tune had captured the essence of 007 after switching the main riff from a sitar to an electric guitar.

From BBC

Yet for someone so famous, it seemed as if we never really got to know him.

From New York Times

Related Words

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