ENGLISH
REFERENCE

famous

adj.
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈfeɪməs// UK //fˈeɪməs// fa·mous Archaic General-service

adj. known or recognized by many people. You use this to describe someone or something that everyone has heard of.

adj. widely known or recognized by the public. Typically used to describe people, places, or works of art that have achieved significant notoriety or acclaim.


SIMPLE

She is a famous singer.

CONTEXTUAL

The city is famous for its beautiful bridges and historic architecture.

COMPLEX

While many actors seek to become famous, few are prepared for the loss of privacy that accompanies such a high level of public recognition.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English famous, from Anglo-Norman famous, from Latin fāmōsus, equivalent to fame + -ous. Displaced native Old English hlīsful.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'for' when specifying the reason for the fame.

Pitfall

He is famous of his booksHe is famous for his booksThe adjective 'famous' takes the preposition 'for' to indicate the cause of fame, not 'of'.

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