illustrious
adjective
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Illustrious people seem to light up everything around them. The etymology of illustrious makes it clear that a shining glow (both literal and figurative) has long been associated with the word. Illustrious derives from the Latin illustris, which was probably a back-formation of the verb illustrare ("to illustrate"), which in turn comes from lustrare, meaning "to purify" or "to make bright," and which is related to the Latin noun lustrum that gave us luster. At one time, illustrious was used in the literal sense of "shining brightly with light," but that meaning is now considered archaic. The word is today almost exclusively used in its figurative application to describe something that stands out brilliantly, much like a bright star stands out in the sky.
Synonyms
- astral
- bright
- distinguished
- eminent
- luminous
- noble
- notable
- noteworthy
- outstanding
- preeminent
- prestigious
- redoubtable
- signal
- star
- superior
Example Sentences
Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022 The stick Gretzky used during the final game of his illustrious career is another highlight. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2022 Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director. Variety, NBC News, 14 Aug. 2022 Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director. Gina Martinez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2022 Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director. Shafiq Najib, Peoplemag, 14 Aug. 2022 Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 13 Aug. 2022 In her illustrious career, Serena Williams transcended tennis. Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, refinery29.com, 12 Aug. 2022 Throughout her illustrious career, Beyoncé has been no stranger to a superstar feature. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 10 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Latin illustris, probably from illustrare
1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
illustrious
adjective
illustrious
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- distinguished
- outstanding
- prestigious
- famous
- eminent
- notable
- noteworthy
- honored
- noble
- celebrated
- star
- renowned
- superior
- luminous
- redoubtable
- infamous
- signal
- famed
- glorious
- bright
- preeminent
- exalted
- reputable
- notorious
- astral
- dominant
- predominant
- paramount
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- minor
- insignificant
- unimportant
- average
- obscure
- mediocre
- inferior
- unsung
- uncelebrated
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of illustrious are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, famous, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.
The meanings of celebrated and illustrious largely overlap; however, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.
The synonyms distinguished and illustrious are sometimes interchangeable, but distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.
The words eminent and illustrious can be used in similar contexts, but eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.
The words famous and illustrious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.
While the synonyms noted and illustrious are close in meaning, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.
Notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.
In some situations, the words renowned and illustrious are roughly equivalent. However, renowned implies more glory and acclamation.