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famous

[ fey-muhs ]
/ ˈfeÉȘ məs /
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See synonyms for: famous / famously / famousness on Thesaurus.com
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.
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Origin of famous

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin fāmƍsus; see origin at fame, -ous

synonym 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 FROM famous

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH famous

famous , infamous, notorious

Words nearby famous

family values, family way, famine, famish, famished, famous, famous last words, famously, famulus, fan, fana
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to famous

acclaimed, brilliant, distinguished, eminent, excellent, glorious, grand, great, honored, illustrious, important, influential, leading, memorable, noted, notorious, outstanding, powerful, preeminent, prominent

How to use famous in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for famous

famous
/ (ˈfeÉȘməs) /
adjective
known to or recognized by many people; renowned
informal excellent; splendid
archaic of ill repute

Derived forms of famous

famousness, noun

Word Origin for famous

C14: from Latin fāmƍsus; see fame
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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