an illustrious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an illustrious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is highly distinguished, famous, or respected, often in a positive context. Example: "She comes from an illustrious family of artists who have made significant contributions to the cultural landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Diana Athill reflects on an illustrious career.

The New Yorker

CIS: You've had an illustrious career.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Brown marshalled an illustrious cast of writers.

The Guardian

So began an illustrious musical career.

The Guardian

"It has an illustrious history," she said.

The New York Times

The Donn still has an illustrious history.

The New York Times - Sports

Novoye Russkoye Slovo has an illustrious past.

The New York Times

So Watson joins an illustrious list.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Wang comes from an illustrious Communist background.

The New York Times

It has a rich culture and an illustrious past.

The Economist

Dr Leakey is a member of an illustrious palaeontological clan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. "An illustrious" is most effective when highlighting sustained excellence and positive reputation, not just fleeting fame.

Common error

Avoid using "an illustrious" to describe something that is merely popular or trendy. The term implies a deeper level of respect and historical significance, not just current favor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an illustrious" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate high distinction, fame, and respect. Ludwig examples show it frequently precedes nouns like "career", "history", or "family", adding a layer of prestige and significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an illustrious" is a valuable tool for expressing admiration and respect, predominantly used in news and media contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to elevate the subject it describes. When using "an illustrious", consider the historical significance and widespread respect associated with the subject, avoiding overuse in contexts lacking genuine achievement. Alternatives like "distinguished" or "renowned" can offer nuanced variations, but "an illustrious" remains a potent descriptor for individuals, careers, or institutions with a long-standing history of excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinguished

Highlights notable achievements and respected status, similar to "an illustrious" but with a slightly more formal tone.

an eminent

Suggests high rank or position, often used for professionals or academics.

a renowned

Focuses on widespread fame and recognition, emphasizing public acknowledgment of excellence.

a prestigious

Conveys high status and exclusivity, suitable for institutions or awards.

a celebrated

Emphasizes public praise and admiration, suitable when the subject is widely lauded.

a legendary

Implies extraordinary and enduring fame, often associated with figures from the past.

a notable

Highlights significant or remarkable qualities, fitting when pointing out something worthy of attention.

a respected

Focuses on the esteem and regard held by others, indicating a positive reputation.

a famous

Indicates widespread knowledge and recognition, lacking the nuance of high achievement implied by "an illustrious".

a well-known

Indicates familiarity and recognition, less emphatic than "an illustrious" in terms of achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "an illustrious" in a sentence?

"An illustrious" is typically used to describe a person, career, or institution that has a distinguished history and is widely respected. For example, "She had "an illustrious career" as a scientist" or "He comes from "an illustrious family"".

What are some alternatives to "an illustrious"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a distinguished", "a renowned", "an eminent", or "a celebrated" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "an illustrious" to describe a new company?

While technically grammatically correct, using "an illustrious" to describe a new company might be premature. The term implies a history of achievement and respect, which a new company typically lacks. Using phrases like "a promising" or "a rising" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "an illustrious" and "a notorious"?

"An illustrious" describes someone or something highly respected and admired, while "a notorious" describes someone or something famous for negative reasons. They are antonyms and should not be used interchangeably.