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

Other Word Forms

• illustriously adverb
• illustriousness noun
• unillustrious adjective
• unillustriously adverb
• unillustriousness 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

Would Stafford like to add a so-called passing title to his illustrious resume?

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That was, in fact, how Kirk began his illustrious career: assembling a list of college instructors and publicizing it in hopes of forcing them from their jobs.

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After serving as the face of the franchise during one of the most successful runs in club history, the book will finally be closing on his illustrious Dodgers career.

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The Eurovision Song Contest might not sound like a significant event in this context, but Israel has a long and illustrious history with the competition, winning it four times since 1973.

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“If you are the relative or the descendant of somebody who is rich or powerful or well connected, or an alumni of one of these illustrious institutions, you got priority consideration.”

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Related Words

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