Celebrated for achievements that have earned lasting public respect.
Reach for it when honoring a person, career, institution, or lineage with established distinction
The academy welcomed an illustrious mathematician whose teaching changed the field.
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| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
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| literary |
playful
Fits when achievement has grown into a larger-than-life reputation
Careful Legendary can sound exaggerated in a sober biography.
everyday
Fits when being widely known for excellence is the main point
Careful Renowned speaks to fame without the elevated dignity of illustrious.
warm
Fits when public admiration feels current and enthusiastic
Careful Celebrated may be temporary or popular rather than enduring.
professional
Fits when recognized excellence and good standing are enough
Careful Distinguished is restrained and may understate historic renown.
formal
Fits when high professional rank or authority deserves emphasis
Careful Eminent fits expertise better than a celebrated family history.
literary
exalted
Fits when lofty status or rank shapes the description
Careful Exalted may imply social position more than earned accomplishment.
illustrious career
Her illustrious career joined scientific discovery with generous mentorship.
illustrious predecessor
The new conductor honored his illustrious predecessor without copying her style.
illustrious history
The library's illustrious history began in a single rented room.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Commander Keane, Australian accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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