English Explanatory Dictionary

illustrious

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Admired, distinguished, respected, or well-known.

Pronunciation

/ɪˈlʌs.tɹɪ.əs/ /ɪˈlʌs.tɹi.əs/ [-ˈləs-] en-au-illustrious.ogg

Word forms

illustrious more illustrious most illustrious

Etymology

From Latin illūstris (“bright, shining; distinguished, prominent, illustrious”) + -ous (suffix forming adjectives from nouns, to denote possession or presence of a quality in any degree). Illūstris is derived from illūstrō (“to brighten, illuminate; to make famous or illustrious”), from in- (“in, inside”) + lūstrō (“to purify by making a sacrifice; to brighten, illuminate”) (from lūstrō (“purificatory sacrifice”), possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *lewk- (“bright; to shine”) or *lewh₃- (“to wash”)).

Synonyms

forestanding nameworthy esteemed well-regarded illustrious distinguished eminent markworthy mentionable nameable namely notable sensational noteworthy extraordinaire noticeable observable outstanding pass-remarkable ponderable prominent remarkable signal sovereign admired applauded blessed feared gloriful glorious honoured priceless reputable respected revered sacred treasured valued venerated worthy

Antonyms

forgotten overlooked unadmired undistinguished unrespected

Related words

lustrious

Derived words

illustriously illustriousness nonillustrious unillustrious
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