English Reference
noun · verb

fame

n. · v.
US /ˈfeɪm/ UK /fˈeɪm/ fame UK spelling faming

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.the state of being famous or known by many people.

    n.the condition of being known or talked about by many people, especially on account of notable achievements.

    Simple

    The young actor achieved worldwide fame after his first movie became a hit.

    In context

    Despite her sudden rise to international fame, the scientist remained dedicated to her laboratory work and avoided the public spotlight.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.the opinion that people have about someone or something.

    n.the character or reputation attributed to a person or thing by the public.

    Simple

    The knight's fame for bravery spread throughout the kingdom.

    In context

    His fame as a fair and just ruler preceded him, ensuring a warm welcome from the local governors.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency ArchaicLiterary

    v.to make someone or something famous.

    v.to confer fame upon someone or to make something widely known. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Simple

    The poet's verses served to fame the heroes of the revolution.

    In context

    The explorer was famed throughout the continent for his daring expeditions into the uncharted interior.

Raised in Tennessee, she rose to fame in the late 1960s with hits that bridged country and pop music.

BBC News· 25 Aug 2026

She addresses that relative lack of financial success and fame uproariously on the new album.

The Guardian· 2 Sept 2026

From Middle English fame, from Old French fame (“celebrity, renown”), itself borrowed from Latin fāma (“talk, rumor, report, reputation”), from Proto-Indo-European bʰéh₂-meh₂, from bʰeh₂- (“to speak, say, tell”). Cognate with Ancient Greek φήμη (phḗmē, “talk”). Related also to Latin for (“speak, say”, verb), Old English bōian (“to boast”), Old English bēn (“prayer, request”), Old English bannan (“to summon, command, proclaim”). More at ban. Displaced native Old English hlīsa.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin ine-pro *bʰéh₂-meh₂
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated