fame

[feym]

noun

1. widespread reputation, especially of a favorable character; renown; public eminence.

   to seek fame as an opera singer.

2. common estimation or opinion generally held of a person or thing; reputation.

verb (used with object)

famed, faming 

1. Archaic.,  to have or spread the renown of; to make famous.

fame

/ feɪm /

noun

1. the state of being widely known or recognized; renown; celebrity

2. archaic,  rumour or public report

verb

1. (tr; now usually passive) to make known or famous; celebrate

   he was famed for his ruthlessness

Other Word Forms

• fameless adjective
• outfame verb (used with object)
• self-fame noun
• famed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fame¹

1175–1225; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin fāma talk, public opinion, repute, akin to fārī to speak

Word History and Origins

Origin of fame¹

C13: from Latin f ā ma report; related to fārī to say

Example Sentences

And yet, Smith’s persona remains veiled — sphinx-like — an ethereal presence whose journey to fame was fueled by her questing spirit and later detoured by tragedy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“If you’re a Dodger fan: It doesn’t bother me. So you do you for your two seconds of fame, and go back to work.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Sliwa, apparently relishing his 15 minutes of fame, called Adams a “crook” and said he himself had been offered $10 million to drop out of the race by unidentified billionaires.

Read more on Salon

Appearing in the BBC series, In My Own Words, he revealed the anguish he felt knowing his father was still down the pit while his own life was being transformed by fame.

Read more on BBC

His late-life boxing fame began three years ago when his son Paul made a video in which he said to Frank: "Show me how to throw an uppercut".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• acclaim 
• character 
• dignity 
• glory 
• greatness 
• honor 
• immortality 
• notoriety 
• popularity 
• prominence 
• recognition 
• renown 
• reputation 
• stardom