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 Word Forms

• 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

Fury has retired more than once in his illustrious career, but American Arum - who promoted him in the past - does not expect another U-turn from the fighter.

From BBC

All revivals of “Gypsy” are haunted by the long line of illustrious predecessors.

From Los Angeles Times

Quite suddenly, Sheff’s interview with the Lennons became the lasting word on the musician’s illustrious career.

From Salon

It's the law that President Franklin Roosevelt used to justify the Japanese internment, the darkest moment of his otherwise illustrious presidency.

From Salon

It is, after all, a city well used to hosting major global sporting events like boxing, the Super Bowl and Formula One - and rugby league is now securely on that illustrious list.

From BBC

Related Words

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