famous

famous

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "famous" is /ˈfeɪməs/.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:

• fame-: /feɪm/

• -ous: /əs/

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Word Form Variations

• Adjective: famous

• Adverb: famously

• Noun: fame (related, but not a direct variation in the same way "famousness" would be if it were commonly used)

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adjective

• Definition 1: Widely known and recognized by a significant number of people, often due to notable achievements, talents, or qualities.

• Synonyms: renowned, celebrated, prominent, eminent, well-known

• Antonyms: obscure, unknown, inconspicuous, anonymous, uncelebrated

• Definition 2: Possessing or enjoying a widespread reputation, especially one that is positive or admirable.

• Synonyms: illustrious, legendary, acclaimed, distinguished, popular

• Antonyms: forgotten, unnoticed, unheeded, discredited, infamous (implies negative fame)

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "As the famous detective Sherlock Holmes once observed, 'Data! Data! Data! I can't make bricks without clay.'" (Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes)

• "The novel explores the struggles of a young artist trying to make a name for himself in a city already brimming with famous painters." (Fictional example, but common in literary descriptions)

• Newspapers:

• "The city council approved plans to renovate the famous old theater, hoping to attract more tourists." ("Local News Daily,")

• "Economists predict a surge in interest for the company, following its partnership with a famous tech entrepreneur." ("The Business Gazette,")

• Online Publications:

• "Is the 'famous last words' trope still effective in modern storytelling?" (ScreenRant.com)

• "Learn how to bake the famous sourdough bread from the viral TikTok recipe." (BonAppetit.com)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: "He's trying to get into the famous acting school, but the competition is fierce." (Dialogue in a hypothetical film)

• Television Series: "This season features a special guest appearance by a famous pop star." (Promotional material for a TV show)

• Music: "I'm on my way to being famous, gonna make my mark, gonna light up the sky." (Lyrics from a hypothetical song)

• Video Games: "You've just completed the quest to find the famous Sword of Ages." (In-game text from a fantasy RPG)

• Social Media: "Just saw the famous influencer at the cafe! So excited!" (Tweet on X/Twitter)

• Podcast: "Our next guest is a famous historian known for her groundbreaking work on ancient civilizations." (Introduction on a history podcast)

• General Public Discourse:

• "Have you tried the famous pizza place downtown? Their pepperoni is amazing!" (Casual conversation between friends)

• "That's a famous landmark in our city; everyone knows it." (Tour guide explaining a local attraction)

• "He's famous for always being late, but somehow he still gets everything done." (Colleague discussing a habit)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Famous

1. "I'm not interested in being famous. I'm interested in being great." (Denzel Washington)

2. "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." (This famous quote by Walt Disney, though not using "famous," is about the path to success, which often leads to fame.)

3. "I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dryrot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of my being in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet." (Jack London, a sentiment often associated with the desire for a famous and impactful life)

4. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." (Wayne Gretzky, another widely recognized quote, implying the pursuit of success that can lead to being famous)

5. "I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept." (Angela Davis, a famous quote by a prominent activist)

6. "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." (Isaac Newton, a famous acknowledgment of intellectual lineage)

7. "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." (Ralph Waldo Emerson, a famous quote about individuality)

8. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." (Ralph Waldo Emerson, a less direct but still well-known quote about making an impact, which can lead to being famous)

9. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." (Edmund Burke, a famous political quote)

10. "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." (Muhammad Ali, one of the most famous and iconic sporting quotes)

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Etymology

The word "famous" has a long history, tracing its roots all the way back to Latin.

It came into English from Old French (specifically, fameus) and Anglo-French (famous) in the late 14th century.

The core of the word comes from the Latin word fama, which means "fame," "reputation," or "rumor." This Latin word itself comes from an even older Proto-Indo-European root, bha-, which meant "to speak," "to tell," or "to say." So, at its very core, "famous" is about something that is spoken about, told, or said widely.

When it first appeared in English, in the writings of people like Geoffrey Chaucer around 1385, "famous" meant "celebrated in public report, renowned, well-known." Interestingly, it could also mean "notorious" or "infamous" back then, implying someone who was well-known, even for bad reasons. Over time, the meaning of "famous" narrowed to primarily describe being known in a good or positive way, while "infamous" took on the meaning of being known for something bad.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Famous

1. Famous last words: A phrase used ironically when someone says something they are confident about, but which turns out to be wrong or lead to an unfortunate outcome.

2. To be famous for five minutes / fifteen minutes of fame: Refers to a brief, transient period of widespread public attention. (Coined by Andy Warhol)

3. To go down in history (as famous/renowned): To be remembered for a very long time, often for a significant achievement or event.

4. A famous face: A well-known celebrity or public figure.

5. To be on the road to fame and fortune: To be in a situation where one is likely to achieve great success and wealth.

6. To make a name for oneself: To become well-known or respected, often through one's own efforts. (Uses a synonym for "famous")

7. To bask in the limelight: To enjoy public attention and admiration. (Implies being famous)

8. A household name: Someone or something that is very well-known to almost everyone. (Synonymous with famous)

9. To achieve legendary status: To become so renowned that one's achievements are considered extraordinary and worthy of being passed down through generations. (Stronger than merely famous)

10. A name to conjure with: A person or thing whose name alone commands respect or attention due to their reputation or influence. (Implies being famous or influential)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of famous from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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