Definition

Noun: 1. The quality or state of being notable or worthy of attention; prominence. This refers to the characteristic of being distinguished, remarkable, or important enough to be noticed. 2. A notable or prominent person. This refers to an individual who has achieved fame, distinction, or importance in a particular field.

Usage and Examples

• As a quality (uncountable noun):

  • The historical notability of the ancient city attracts scholars from around the world.
  • Her research gained notability after it was published in a leading journal.
  • The event was of little notability and received no media coverage.

• As a person (countable noun):

  • The awards ceremony was attended by numerous notabilities from the worlds of science and art.
  • He is considered a leading notability in the field of modern architecture.
  • The guest list included political notabilities and business leaders.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Formality: "Notability" is a formal word, more common in written English (e.g., academic papers, biographies, formal reports) than in everyday conversation. In casual speech, words like "fame," "importance," or "prominence" are often used for the quality, and "celebrity," "VIP," or "dignitary" for the person.
• Connotation: When referring to a person, "notability" often carries a connotation of respectability and achievement-based fame, as opposed to the sometimes fleeting or scandal-driven fame associated with "celebrity."

Variants and Related Words

• Notable (adjective): Worthy of attention or notice; remarkable. (e.g., )
• Notable (noun): A famous or important person. (e.g., )
• Notably (adverb): In a way that is worthy of attention; particularly. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• For the quality: prominence, distinction, eminence, importance, renown, fame, mark, note.
• For the person: luminary, dignitary, personage, VIP, celebrity, figure, worthy.

Antonyms

• For the quality: obscurity, insignificance, unimportance, anonymity.
• For the person: nobody, nonentity, unknown.

Noun

1. a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
   • he was host to a large gathering of luminaries