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 famous

British Dictionary definitions for famous

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