famous
gb/fˈeɪməs/ us/fˈeɪməs/
A2
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Known by many people
Known by many people, usually for something special or important.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is famous for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'famous' with 'popular'. 'Famous' means widely known, while 'popular' means liked by many people.
Synonyms
well-known (Very close in meaning; slightly less formal and can describe things known to a smaller group.)
|
renowned (More formal; emphasizes respect or admiration in addition to being widely known.)
Antonyms
unknown (Describes someone or something not known by the public.)
Collocations
world famous
|famous actor
|famous landmark
|famous quote
|famous brand
Themes
culture
|media
|society
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Examples
- She became famous after starring in the hit movie.
- The city is famous for its beautiful old buildings.
- That restaurant is famous for its seafood dishes.
- Many famous artists lived in Paris.
- He is famous worldwide for his scientific research.
Learner examples
- Paris is famous for the Eiffel Tower.
- This singer is very famous in my country.
- That park is famous for its big trees.
- He is a famous football player.
- The book is famous among young people.
Grammar
Expressions
famous for
1/fˈeɪməs fɚ/
fixed phrase
Known because of something specific
Used to say why someone or something is well-known.
Examples
- The city is famous for its jazz music.
- She is famous for her kindness.
make someone famous
1/mˈeɪk sˈʌmwˌʌn fˈeɪməs/
fixed phrase
Cause someone to be widely known
To cause a person to become well-known to many people.
Examples
- That TV show made him famous overnight.
- The book made the author famous around the world.
world famous
1/wˈɚld fˈeɪməs/
fixed phrase
Known everywhere in the world
Known by people in many countries.
Examples
- The museum is world famous for its art collection.
- He is a world famous chef.