Word
renown
US/ɹɪˈnaʊn/
UK/ɹɪnˈaʊn/
Definitions
01fame and respect
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the state of being famous and admired by many people for your skills or achievements.
n. the state of being widely acclaimed or celebrated; widespread recognition for excellence or accomplishment.
“The author gained international renown after her third novel became a bestseller.”
“Despite his early renown as a brilliant physicist, he spent his later years working in relative obscurity on theoretical problems.”
Usage
Usually uncountable; often follows adjectives like 'international', 'great', or 'lasting'.
Synonyms
02to make famous
C2 · Proficiency Archaic
v. to make someone or something famous.
v. to render someone or something famous or celebrated.
“The brave deeds of the knights were renowned in many old songs.”
“Ancient poets sought to renown their patrons through epic verses that would survive for centuries.”
Usage
In modern English, this is almost exclusively used as the past participle adjective 'renowned' rather than a functional verb.
Real-World Examples
“Photograph: UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images But a haunt for hippies and country fans was catapulted to even greater renown when in 1977, Waylon Jennings released Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love).” “The actor, M, is joined by “a writer of some renown” and a fashion model who possesses “some vague self-absorption”.” Etymology
From Old French renoun (compare with Modern French renom), equivalent to re- + noun.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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