First Known Use: 1534
Dictionary
notorious
adjective no·to·ri·ous \nō-ˈtȯr-ē-əs, nə-\
: well-known or famous especially for something bad
Full Definition of NOTORIOUS
: generally known and talked of; especially : widely and unfavorably known
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Origin of NOTORIOUS
Medieval Latin notorius, from Late Latin notorium information, indictment, from Latin noscere to come to know — more at know
Related to NOTORIOUS
- Synonyms
- discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, ignominious, infamous, louche, disreputable, opprobrious, shady, shameful, shoddy, shy, unrespectable
- Antonyms
- honorable, reputable, respectable
Synonym Discussion of NOTORIOUS
famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide. famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known <a famous actress>. renowned implies more glory and acclamation <one of the most renowned figures in sports history>. celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print <the most celebrated beauty of her day>. noted suggests well-deserved public attention <the noted mystery writer>. notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil <a notorious gangster>. distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority <a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize>. eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character <the country's most eminent writers>. illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person <illustrious war heroes>.
Rhymes with NOTORIOUS
NOTORIOUS Defined for Kids
notorious
adjective no·to·ri·ous \nō-ˈtȯr-ē-əs\
Definition of NOTORIOUS for Kids
: widely known especially for some bad characteristic <… he caught the villain, who turned out to be a very notorious criminal. — Robert McClosky, Homer Price>
— no·to·ri·ous·ly adverb <She has a notoriously bad temper.>
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