illustrious personage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illustrious personage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a distinguished or famous individual, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The gala was attended by an illustrious personage, whose contributions to the arts have been widely recognized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She was by then an illustrious personage among Britons in the Middle East, yet had maintained an identity apart; she had even published a book of teasing "Baghdad Sketches" (Tauris Parke; $16), making light of the complacent British community there.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Before I left the museum I asked Karakina, who used to host "Love Is Strange," a television program exploring illustrious personages' love lives, which book about Odessa to read first.

The New Yorker

Arnold Schwartzman, the artistic director of the "Voices & Visions" program whose first set of 18 posters by world class graphic artists illuminating quotations from illustrious Jewish personages is now on view at the Skirball Cultural Center, is also one of the most accomplished designers and documentary directors of our times, is a story unto himself.

Huffington Post

He was a former pupil of the illustrious theologian Origen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And their logo doodles pay homage to personages and events many people would otherwise have overlooked.

TechCrunch

— personage.

The New Yorker

M: Illustrious?

The New Yorker

She's a personage.

The New York Times

Dickey joined illustrious company.

The New York Times - Sports

He is in illustrious company.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither personage is quite human.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "illustrious personage" when you want to convey both fame and a certain level of historical significance or importance of the individual.

Common error

Avoid using "illustrious personage" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and can come across as pretentious. Opt for simpler terms like "famous person" or "well-known figure" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illustrious personage" functions as a noun phrase, where "illustrious" modifies the noun "personage". It serves to identify and describe an individual who is both famous and highly regarded. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "illustrious personage" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon phrase used to describe a famous and highly respected individual. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most appropriate in formal contexts, particularly within news and media. While alternatives like "renowned figure" or "distinguished individual" may be more frequently used in contemporary English, "illustrious personage" effectively conveys a sense of historical significance and admiration. When writing, be mindful of the formality of your piece and choose a simpler phrasing if needed. Be aware of overuse in informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

renowned figure

Replaces both the adjective and noun with synonyms emphasizing fame and importance.

distinguished individual

Substitutes "illustrious" with "distinguished" and "personage" with "individual", focusing on their respected status.

eminent personality

Employs "eminent" and "personality" to highlight recognized importance and character.

notable character

Uses "notable" instead of "illustrious", focusing on the quality of being worthy of attention.

celebrated dignitary

Replaces "personage" with "dignitary", emphasizing their high rank or office.

famous luminary

Employs "luminary" which evokes a sense of brilliance and inspiration.

preeminent leader

Highlights the leadership qualities of the individual.

esteemed figure

Focuses on the high regard in which the person is held.

venerable person

Emphasizes the respect and reverence associated with the individual.

respected notable

Combines adjectives indicating high esteem and recognition.

FAQs

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

You can use "illustrious personage" to refer to someone famous and respected, especially in formal contexts. For example, "The event was graced by the presence of an illustrious personage from the world of science."

What are some alternatives to "illustrious personage"?

You can use alternatives such as "renowned figure", "distinguished individual", or "eminent personality" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "illustrious personage"?

It is appropriate to use "illustrious personage" in formal writing or speech when referring to someone who is not only famous but also highly respected for their achievements or contributions.

Is "illustrious personage" commonly used in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "illustrious personage" is not as commonly used as simpler alternatives like "famous person". It is more likely to appear in formal or literary contexts.