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famous

famous

1.0
Many people know them for something good or important
  • adjective
  • /ˈfeɪməs/
translation icon : famoso
  • Which British artist is famous for his spot paintings?
  • the most famous
  • become famous
  • made famous

But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?

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Examples

  • The castle is famous for its breathtaking views and rich history.

  • You're like the most famous rock and roll photographer in the world.

  • Would you like to be famous and in what way?

  • Becoming the most famous woman in the world.

  • Is she famous or something?

  • This was done with a technique that was made famous by Man Ray.

  • It's because Thai cuisine is so famous and so unique.

  • Today, the composer is a famous man, an Oscar winner for his movie themes.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • His name was Gibson Grange, and he was one of the most famous actors in Hollywood.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Many people admire the famous scientist for her groundbreaking discoveries.

Synonyms

prominent
vsfamous
353 3.9

Easy to see or remember because it stands out

is known by many because of achievements, not only by being noticeable
well-known
vsfamous
253 1.0

Familiar to many people and often talked about

is known because of achievements or qualities rather than mere familiarity
legendary
vsfamous
246 4.2

Very famous and admired, like a hero from old stories

is known by many for real achievements rather than mythic reputation
iconic
vsfamous
133 4.4

Very well known and seen as a symbol of something

is known for achievements or qualities rather than for symbolic status
notable
vsfamous
112 3.7

Worth attention because it is important or unusual

is known by many mainly for achievements rather than merely deserving notice
famed
vsfamous
70 3.5

Well known and respected by many people

is known by many but may lack emphasis on respect or honor
renowned
vsfamous
69 4.1

Well known and respected for being very good

is known by many without necessarily implying high esteem
illustrious
vsfamous
  • Formal
31 7.4

Well known and respected for important work

is known by many but focuses less on respect and honor
eminent
vsfamous
  • Formal
27 5.6

A person who is well known and respected in their field

is known by many broadly, not confined to one professional field
celebrated
vsfamous
1 3.2

Famous and admired for important achievements or qualities

is known by many mainly for being recognized rather than admired
far-famed
vsfamous
6.5

Known and admired by many people far away

is known by many, focusing on being recognized rather than geographic reach
noted
vsfamous
  • Formal
3.3

Well known and admired for a particular skill or quality

is known by many generally, not only for a single specific skill

Antonyms

629 2.3

Not known or named, often with no name given

84 7.0

Not well known or famous

Idioms

Known mostly because they are a celebrity, not for any skill

Compounds

50 1.0

A person many people know because of their achievements

6 2.5

A saying that many people know and repeat

A well known place or building that many people recognize

Food sold on city streets by outdoor sellers that shows the city's taste

How Famous

legendary
246 4.2
renowned
69 4.1
famous
1.0
well-known
253 1.0
known
2 1.0
little-known
34 7.3

Surface Forms

famous positive
famer comparative
famousest superlative

Morphology

famous = fame (transparent) = fame + ous

Standard adjective formation from the noun 'fame' with the productive suffix '-ous' meaning 'having or full of fame', which learners can readily infer.

Etymology

Famous comes from the old Latin word fama, which meant 'talk' or 'report'. So someone famous is someone many people talk about, and this is the same root as fame.