Definition

Noun: A person who is widely known and recognized by the public, typically due to achievements in a particular field such as entertainment, sports, politics, or other areas of public interest.

Usage

The term "famous person" is used to refer to an individual whose name and face are familiar to a large number of people. It is a general, neutral term that does not specify the reason for the fame, which could be positive, negative, or neutral.

Examples

• The event was attended by several famous persons from the film industry.
• Becoming a famous person often requires a combination of talent, hard work, and luck.
• The museum exhibit featured portraits of famous persons from the 20th century.

Advanced Usage

• "A famous person in their own right": This phrase is used to emphasize that someone has achieved fame independently, not merely through association with another famous individual.
  • She is a famous person in her own right, not just as the daughter of a politician.

Variants and Related Words

• Celebrity (n): Often used interchangeably with "famous person," but can sometimes imply a stronger focus on media attention and public lifestyle.
• Public figure (n): A person, often famous, who is involved in public life or affairs and is subject to public scrutiny.
• Notable (n): A person who is worthy of attention or notice, often for achievements, but not necessarily widely famous to the general public.
• Luminary (n): A person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere (e.g., a luminary in the field of science).

Synonyms

• Star
• Notable
• Personality
• Name

Antonyms

• Unknown
• Nobody
• Nonentity

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Household name: A person or thing that is so well known that almost every household knows the name.
  • After her breakthrough role, she became a household name.
• In the public eye: Being observed and known by the public.
  • Politicians live their lives in the public eye.

Noun

1. a widely known person
   • he was a baseball celebrity