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

She is famous for singing ballads - including La Vie en Rose, Milord and La Foule.

From BBC

Cohn, on the other hand, went on to hobnob with the rich and famous including just about every powerful politician in America.

From Salon

The Florentine Renaissance artist, engineer and polymath made the most famous picture of all time, a painted poplar panel that hangs in virtual isolation in the Salle des États at Paris’ Louvre Museum.

From Los Angeles Times

Indeed, if a famous actor or singer refers to the work they’ve done with a vocal coach, there’s a very good chance they are talking about Vetro.

From Los Angeles Times

The 15,800-acre Windsor estate, west of London, includes working farms, conservation areas, Windsor Great Park and famous royal landmarks, such as Windsor Castle.

From BBC

Related Words

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