fame

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fame" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a state of being widely known and respected, due to one's achievements, actions, or character. Example: After her victory in the wrestling competition, she quickly achieved fame.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

33ba7360-33fa-4912-b1e7-90988c5e6409 You know you've reached peak fame when you no longer need a surname for people to know who you are.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fame is something I've never sought, yet I'm inundated with letters from children just wanting to be on the telly.

The Guardian

"How short is the short-short?" Alexander, who came to fame as a runway coach and judge on the television show America's Next Top Model and coached the likes of supermodel Naomi Campbell, is known for showing off his own incredible set of legs.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, at first, he seemed ready to justify his fame.

The Guardian - Tech

If Lubitz wanted fame, he was rewarded posthumously.

The Guardian

Hodges's close encounter left her with severe bruising – and fleeting worldwide fame.

The Guardian - Arts

For half a century, the Melbourne stage was spiritual home to Bob Hornery, who has died aged 83 of cancer, but during that time he also spent almost 20 years acting in British television and theatre, and gained fame worldwide in Neighbours.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Actor and singer Kym Ryder (formerly Kym Marsh) first found fame as a member of Hear'Say, a band created by the reality TV show Popstars in 2001.

The Guardian - Music

Lewis Hilsenteger from Unbox Therapy, he of bending iPhone 6 Plus fame, claims to have sourced two Ion-X screens from the Apple Watch Sport for testing and found that neither a metal implement such as a key or knife nor steel wool could scratch the screen.

The Guardian - Tech

Her last film, excepting a quirky appearance as an nymphomaniac princess in Mike Hodges's Pulp (1972), was as a press agent who discovers country boy singer Elvis Presley in Loving You (1957) and sets him on the road to fame.

The Guardian - Film

As much as I might agree with Neil, I do not think the search for fame sufficiently explains why people seem to want to take ever greater risks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fame" in conjunction with other related concepts like influence, legacy, and responsibility to enrich your analysis of public figures and their impact.

Common error

Avoid using "fame" when "infamy" is more appropriate. "Fame" implies positive recognition, while "infamy" denotes notoriety for negative actions. For example, a criminal achieves infamy, not fame.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fame" is as a noun. It refers to the state of being known or celebrated by many. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing numerous examples where "fame" functions as a noun, often as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fame" is a common noun denoting widespread public recognition, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is primarily used in news and media contexts to describe the state of being well-known, often due to achievements or notoriety. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to differentiate "fame" from related concepts like "infamy" and "prestige" to ensure accuracy in writing. Use "fame" when referring to broad public recognition and be mindful of the context to convey the intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Public recognition

Focuses specifically on being acknowledged by the public, rather than the broader concept of renown.

Celebrity status

Highlights the condition of being a celebrity, which often implies a high level of fame.

Renowned reputation

Emphasizes a widely known and positive reputation, adding a layer of respect.

Wide acclaim

Points to the positive reception and praise received, shifting the focus to positive feedback.

Public image

Centers on the perception held by the public, which is a component of fame.

Being well-known

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the state of being famous.

High profile

Indicates visibility and attention, often associated with fame.

Acquiring recognition

Emphasizes the act of gaining fame, focusing on the process rather than the state.

Popularity

Highlights being liked and admired by many, which often accompanies fame.

Public attention

Focuses on the attention received from the public, a key aspect of fame.

FAQs

How is "fame" typically used in a sentence?

"Fame" is generally used as a noun to describe the state of being known or celebrated by many people. For example, "She achieved "international fame" after winning the Olympic gold medal."

What are some words similar to "fame"?

Alternatives to "fame" include "renown", "celebrity", "reputation", and "recognition". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is "seeking fame"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. The phrase "seeking fame" implies that someone is actively trying to become famous. It is often used when someone is making efforts to be well-known.

What's the difference between "fame" and "prestige"?

"Fame" refers to widespread public recognition, while "prestige" indicates respect and admiration earned through achievements or quality. One can have fame without prestige, and vice versa.