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famous

 - 4 dictionary results

fa⋅mous

[fey-muhs]
–adjective
1. having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated: a famous writer.
2. Informal. first-rate; excellent: The singer gave a famous performance.
3. notorious (used pejoratively).

Origin:
1350–1400; ME < AF < L fāmōsus. See fame, -ous


fa⋅mous⋅ly, adverb
fa⋅mous⋅ness, noun


1. famed, notable, illustrious. 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, esp. 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.


1. unknown, obscure.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To famous
fa·mous   (fā'məs)   
adj.  
  1. Well or widely known. See Synonyms at noted.

  2. First-rate; excellent: had a famous time at the party.


[Middle English, from Anglo-Norman, from Latin fāmōsus, from fāma, fame; see bhā-2 in Indo-European roots.]
fa'mous·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

famous 
c.1385, from Anglo-Fr. famous, from O.Fr. fameus, from L. famosus, from fama (see fame). Catch phrase famous last words "remark likely to be proved wrong" is first attested 1948.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Abbreviations & Acronyms
FAMOUS
French-American Mid-Ocean Undersea Study
The American Heritage® Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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