famous

[ fey-muh s ]
/ ˈfeɪ məs /

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.
notorious (used pejoratively).

Origin of famous

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French < Latin fāmōsus. See 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

Example sentences from the Web for famously

British Dictionary definitions for famously (1 of 2)

famously
/ (ˈfeɪməslɪ) /

adverb

well-known her famously relaxed manner
very well the two got on famously

British Dictionary definitions for famously (2 of 2)

famous
/ (ˈfeɪməs) /

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 fāmōsus; see fame