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

"Maybe I’m just not meant to be famous – I’m crashing and burning and behaving erratically," she told interviewer Amel Mukhtar.

From BBC

Long after his death in 1977, his legacy has lived on through his music and famous family members: the late Lisa Marie Presley, his granddaughter Riley Keough and ex-wife Priscilla Presley.

From Salon

The 47-year-old said it was the worst he had ever seen in the 35 years his family had been running shops on the famous mile.

From BBC

In the last several weeks, authorities banned performances by China’s most famous transgender celebrity, Jin Xing, which some suspected was due to her featuring a rainbow flag in a previous show.

From Los Angeles Times

Paul, who grew up in Ohio, originally became famous on YouTube for his disruptive antics.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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