renown
gb/ɹɪnˈaʊn/ us/ɹɪnˈaʊn/
C1
English
~ 27700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
state
1
fame and wide admiration
The state of being very well known and liked or respected by many people, usually because of what you have done.
Usage pattern:
gain/win/achieve renown for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "renown" (noun) with "renowned" (adjective). Use "renown" in phrases like "win renown" or "international renown", and "renowned" before a noun, as in "a renowned artist". Another confusion is with "notoriety", which usually means being famous for something bad, while "renown" is generally positive.
Synonyms
fame (Most common general word; can sound more neutral or even shallow, while "renown" is slightly more formal and often positive.)
|
acclaim (Focuses on public praise or approval rather than just being known.)
|
distinction (Emphasizes special honor or excellence rather than simple wide recognition.)
Antonyms
obscurity (Describes being unknown or not famous, the opposite of being widely recognized.)
|
anonymity (Emphasizes having no known name or identity, the opposite of being publicly recognized.)
Collocations
international renown
|worldwide renown
|of great renown
|win renown
|gain renown
|achieve renown
Themes
society
|culture
|media
|core_vocabulary
|emotions
Examples
- The scientist gained international renown for her work on climate change.
- He rose from poverty to literary renown in just a decade.
- The restaurant quickly achieved renown for its creative vegan menu.
- Despite his renown as a composer, he remained a very private person.
- Her renown grew after she won the prestigious award.
Learner examples
- The young singer won renown after her first big hit.
- The city enjoys worldwide renown for its beautiful old buildings.
- He gained renown as a brave and honest leader.
- The chef achieved renown for his simple but tasty food.
- Her renown came from many years of hard work.
Grammar
Dictionary form
renown
IPA
GB/ɹɪnˈaʊn/
US/ɹɪnˈaʊn/
Syllables & stress
renown (1 syllable)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: renown
- Plural: renown
Word family
Core family
renowned
adjective B2
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.