illustrious

[ih-luhs-tree-uhs]

adjective

1. highly distinguished; renowned; famous.

   an illustrious leader.

   Synonyms: famed, eminent, celebrated

2. glorious, as deeds or works.

   many illustrious achievements.

3. Obsolete.,  luminous; bright.

illustrious

/ ɪˈlʌstrɪəs /

adjective

1. of great renown; famous and distinguished

2. glorious or great

   illustrious deeds

3. obsolete,  shining

Other Word Forms

• illustriously adverb
• illustriousness noun
• unillustrious adjective
• unillustriously adverb
• unillustriousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of illustrious¹

1560–70; < Latin illustri ( s ) bright, clear, famous (equivalent to illustr ( āre ) to brighten ( il- ¹, luster ¹ ) + -is adj. suffix) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of illustrious¹

C16: from Latin illustris bright, distinguished, famous, from illustrāre to make light; see _illustrate

Example Sentences

Baroness Shafik, the prime minister's new chief economic adviser, is a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, among other illustrious qualifications.

From BBC

With time ticking down on his illustrious career, there is less room for error in his pursuit of a standalone record 25th major title.

From BBC

Regardless, there were far more happy days than sad ones during an illustrious Kangaroos career for Walters as a player.

From BBC

First, they are moving Joe Alt from right tackle to left, where he spent his illustrious college career at Notre Dame.

From Los Angeles Times

His long and illustrious career includes stints at the London Symphony Orchestra and Munich Philharmonic.

From BBC

Related Words

• distinguished 
• eminent 
• esteemed 
• exalted 
• famed 
• glorious 
• lofty 
• noble 
• outstanding 
• remarkable 
• renowned 
• splendid 
• well-known