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

Denzel Washington could pay a visit to Wakanda before closing out his illustrious acting career.

From Los Angeles Times

Sunday's match had been billed as a battle of the in-form strikers, with Forest's Chris Wood also on a fine scoring run, but Walcott feels Isak deserves comparisons to more illustrious names than the 6ft 3in New Zealand target man.

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

Amorim, who has agreed a contract until June 2027, is the sixth permanent manager United have appointed since Sir Alex Ferguson's illustrious 26-year reign ended with his retirement in 2013.

From BBC

Related Words

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