illustrious
/i'lʌstreiəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Widely known and highly respected for outstanding achievements: Describes someone or something that has gained great fame and honor, typically through remarkable accomplishments or qualities.
- Glorious, distinguished: Conveys a sense of brilliance, splendor, or eminent distinction.
Usage and Examples
- Describing a person:
- She comes from an illustrious family of scholars and diplomats.
- The award was presented by an illustrious panel of experts from around the world.
- Describing an achievement or period:
- The team celebrated its illustrious history with a special ceremony.
- His illustrious career in medicine spanned over four decades.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Illustrious" vs. "Famous": While both mean well-known, "illustrious" strongly implies that the fame is deserved due to excellence, virtue, or significant achievement, and carries a more formal and respectful tone.
- He was not merely a famous actor, but an illustrious artist whose work defined a generation.
- Often used in formal or literary contexts to add weight and honor.
- The university's most illustrious alumnus returned to deliver the commencement speech.
Variants and Related Words
- Illustriously (adverb): In an illustrious manner.
- She served her country illustriously for many years.
- Illustriousness (noun): The quality or state of being illustrious.
- The illustriousness of his deeds was recognized by all.
Synonyms
- Eminent: High in station, rank, or repute; prominent.
- Renowned: Known or talked about by many people; famous.
- Distinguished: Very successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect.
- Celebrated: Greatly admired; renowned.
- Glorious: Having, worthy of, or bringing fame or admiration.
Antonyms
- Unknown: Not known or familiar.
- Obscure: Not discovered or known about; uncertain.
- Inglorious: Causing shame or a loss of honor.
Idiomatic Expressions and Phrases
- An illustrious predecessor: A highly respected person who held a position before the current holder.
- The new director had the difficult task of following an illustrious predecessor.
- Of illustrious lineage: Coming from a famous and highly respected family line.
- The poet was of illustrious lineage, descending from a long line of statesmen.
Adjective
- having or conferring glory
- an illustrious achievement
- widely known and esteemed
- a famous actor
- a celebrated musician
- a famed scientist
- an illustrious judge
- a notable historian
- a renowned painter