illustrious

illustrious — adjective

1. describes a person, career, or achievement that is so outstanding that it earns

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a person, career, or achievement that is so outstanding that it earns widespread recognition and deep respect from others — for example, an illustrious professor with decades of groundbreaking research.

例句

Adaeze's grandfather had an illustrious career as a diplomat in West Africa.

collocation: illustrious career

The university invited several illustrious scholars to give lectures on climate science.

collocation: illustrious scholars

同義詞
  • distinguished

    very similar in meaning; 'distinguished' can also suggest dignity or an honoured status from a specific position

  • eminent

    slightly more formal; focusses on being highly respected within a particular field

  • renowned

    emphasises being widely known and talked about, often across a broad audience

  • celebrated

    focusses on being publicly praised and honoured, often in the arts or culture

反義詞

用法筆記

Typically used in formal or written contexts. Unlike 'famous', which can be neutral or negative ('notorious'), 'illustrious' is always positive and implies that the person or achievement genuinely deserves admiration.

常見錯誤

❌My grandmother had an illustrious garden with many flowers.
✅My grandmother had a beautiful garden with many flowers.
💡'illustrious' describes people, careers, or achievements, not ordinary objects.
❌He is illustrious for telling bad jokes.
✅He is famous for telling bad jokes.
💡'illustrious' cannot be used for negative notoriety; use 'famous' or 'notorious' instead.