English is rich with words that sound similar but have different meanings. “Famous,” “infamous,” and “notorious” are three such words. Although they all describe a state of being well-known, the context and connotations of each word differ significantly. This lesson will help clarify these differences with definitions and examples.
Famous
Definition:
“Famous” means being widely known and usually admired or respected for a particular achievement or quality.
Examples of use:
Tom Clancy, the famous author, autographed Eve’s books.
The city is famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history.
She became famous for her groundbreaking research in environmental science.
Infamous
Definition:
“Infamous” means being well-known for a negative reason, often associated with wrongdoing or bad reputation.
Examples of use:
His philandering made him infamous around town.
The dictator was infamous for his brutal regime.
The company became infamous after the major scandal broke out.
Notorious
Definition:
“Notorious” also means being well-known for a negative reason, similar to “infamous.” It often implies a widespread recognition of the negative aspect.
Examples of use:
The criminal was notorious for his daring heists.
The restaurant is notorious for its poor service and rude staff.
She is notorious in the office for always missing deadlines.
While “famous” generally carries a positive connotation of being well-known and respected, “infamous” and “notorious” both refer to being well-known for negative reasons. “Infamous” often emphasizes the moral aspect of the bad reputation, while “notorious” highlights the widespread recognition of the negative trait. By understanding and correctly using these words, you can convey more precise meanings in your communication.
