ENGLISH
REFERENCE

renown

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ɹɪˈnaʊn// UK //ɹɪnˈaʊn// renown Archaic

n. the state of being famous and respected by many people for a special skill or achievement.

n. the state of being widely known and highly esteemed; widespread fame or distinction.


SIMPLE

The chef gained great renown for his creative seafood dishes.

CONTEXTUAL

The university's department of physics has achieved international renown for its groundbreaking research into renewable energy.

COMPLEX

Despite her early renown as a concert pianist, she spent her later years in relative obscurity, focusing on teaching rather than public performance.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Old French renoun (compare with Modern French renom), equivalent to re- + noun.

Usage

Often follows the verbs 'achieve', 'gain', or 'win'; frequently paired with the preposition 'for'.

Pitfall

He is a renown artistHe is a renowned artistLearners often use the noun 'renown' as an adjective; the correct adjective form is 'renowned'.

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