famous
[ fey-muhs ]
adjective
having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated: a famous writer.
Informal. first-rate; excellent: The singer gave a famous performance.
unfavorably known; notorious: In my family, my uncle is famous for his bad jokes.
Origin of famous
1synonym study For famous
1. 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.
Other words for famous
Opposites for famous
Other words from famous
- 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
- quasi-famous, adjective
- qua·si-fa·mous·ly, adverb
- un·fa·mous, adjective
Words that may be confused with famous
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for famous
famous
/ (ˈfeɪməs) /
adjective
known to or recognized by many people; renowned
informal excellent; splendid
archaic of ill repute
Origin of famous
1C14: from Latin fāmōsus; see fame
Derived forms of famous
- famousness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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