illustrious
AdjectiveUS[il-uhs-tree-uhs]/ˌɪˈlʌstriəs/4 syllables
Open English WordNet
Adjective (2)
- widely known and esteemed“a famous actor”“a celebrated musician”“a famed scientist”“an illustrious judge”“a notable historian”“a renowned painter”Synonyms: celebratedfamedfar-famedfamousnotablenotedrenownedOpposite unknownSimilar known
- having or conferring glory“an illustrious achievement”Opposite ingloriousSimilar glorious
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Il·lus′tri·ous adjective
Origin: L. illustris, prob. for illuxtris; fr. il- in + the root of lucidus bright: cf. F. illustre. See Lucid.
1. Possessing luster or brightness; brilliant; luminous; splendid.
Quench the light; thine eyes are guides illustrious.— Francis, & Fletcher, John. Beaumont
2. Characterized by greatness, nobleness, etc.; eminent; conspicuous; distinguished.
Illustrious earls, renowened everywhere.— Michael Drayton
3. Conferring luster or honor; renowned; as, illustrious deeds or titles.
Synonyms: Distinguished; famous; remarkable; brilliant; conspicuous; noted; celebrated; signal; renowened; eminent; exalted; noble; glorious. See Distinguished, Famous.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54
The Devil's Dictionary
ILLUSTRIOUS, adj. Suitably placed for the shafts of malice, envy and detraction.