Definition

Noun: 1. The state of being widely known and recognized, especially for achievements or qualities: Fame refers to widespread public recognition and reputation, often resulting from notable accomplishments, talent, or actions. 2. Renown or celebrity: It describes the condition of being celebrated and talked about by many people.

Usage

Fame is an uncountable noun. It describes a condition or state, not a specific instance. It is often used with verbs like "achieve," "win," "seek," or "gain."

Examples

• She achieved international fame after her novel won the prize.
• He was more interested in doing good work than in pursuing fame.
• The actor found fame at a very young age.
• They rose to fame with their first hit song.

Advanced Usage

• "To court fame": To actively seek or try to attract public recognition, often with a slightly negative connotation of being calculated.
  • The artist seemed more interested in courting fame than in creating meaningful art.
• "A brush with fame": A brief, often unexpected, encounter with a famous person or a moment of being in the public eye.
  • My brush with fame was when I was interviewed for the local news.
• "Fame and fortune": A common phrase linking widespread recognition with great wealth.
  • Many move to the city dreaming of fame and fortune.

Variants and Related Words

• Famous (adjective): Known about by many people.
  • She is a famous scientist.
• Infamous (adjective): Well-known for a bad quality or deed; notorious.
  • The town is infamous for its harsh winters.
• Famed (adjective): Known widely; celebrated. (More formal/literary than "famous").
  • The region is famed for its wines.

Synonyms

• Renown: Widespread and high acclaim, often for specific achievements.
• Celebrity: The state of being famous, often in entertainment, or a famous person.
• Notoriety: Fame for something bad; infamy.
• Reputation: The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something (can be good or bad).

Antonyms

• Obscurity: The state of being unknown.
• Anonymity: The condition of being unknown or unacknowledged.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Fifteen minutes of fame": A short period of being famous or in the public spotlight, based on Andy Warhol's quote. It often implies the fame is fleeting and not based on lasting merit.
  • The internet meme gave him his fifteen minutes of fame.
• "To live in infamy": To be remembered in history for a famously bad or evil act.
  • The date of the attack will live in infamy.

Noun

1. favorable public reputation
2. the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed