illustrious

[ ih-luhs-tree-uhs ]

adjective

1. highly distinguished; renowned; famous:

   an illustrious leader.

   Synonyms: famed, eminent, celebrated

2. glorious, as deeds or works:

   many illustrious achievements.

3. Obsolete. luminous; bright.

illustrious

/ ɪˈlʌstrɪəs /

adjective

1. of great renown; famous and distinguished
2. glorious or great

   illustrious deeds

3. obsolete.
   shining

Derived Forms

• ilˈlustriously, adverb
• ilˈlustriousness, noun

Other Words From

• il·lustri·ous·ly adverb
• il·lustri·ous·ness noun
• unil·lustri·ous adjective
• unil·lustri·ous·ly adverb
• unil·lustri·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of illustrious¹

1560–70; < Latin illustri ( s ) bright, clear, famous (equivalent to illustr ( āre ) to brighten ( il- ¹, luster ¹ ) + -is adj. suffix) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of illustrious¹

C16: from Latin illustris bright, distinguished, famous, from illustrāre to make light; see illustrate

Example Sentences

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, will bring an end to his illustrious career aged 38 after representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga this week.

From BBC

Retiring superstar Rafael Nadal says he will not be distracted by emotion as he aims to help Spain win the Davis Cup in the final tournament of his illustrious career.

From BBC

We discussed his illustrious culinary journey, his deep love for fashion and his favorite Diwali dishes.

From Salon

And they’ve got plenty of illustrious, tragic company — the most recent example being actor Chance Perdomo, who died in a motorcycle crash in March.

From Los Angeles Times

Anderson, now 68, retired in the mid 1990s after an illustrious career, which also included playing for Arsenal, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and Manchester United - where he was Sir Alex Ferguson's first signing.

From BBC

Related Words

• distinguished
• eminent
• esteemed
• exalted
• famed
• glorious
• lofty
• noble
• outstanding
• remarkable
• renowned
• splendid
• well-known