renown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "renown" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the state of being well-known or famous, often for a particular quality or achievement. Example: "The scientist gained renown for her groundbreaking research in renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Langan, like Ross, specialises in nurturing talent through the early stages, and has won much renown in the industry for her ability to pull projects together: We Need to Talk About Kevin, for example, was stalled for years until Langan asked for a lower-budget version to be constructed.

The Guardian - Film

The TV celebrity Carol Vorderman left herself only one world of renown to conquer yesterday - that of becoming, as John Lennon said of the Beatles, more famous than Jesus Christ.

The Guardian

They organise economics events open to everyone, where experts of global renown (Martin Wolf, Ha-Joon Chang) sit down with people who paid £4 for a day ticket and came to learn what inflation means.

The Guardian

Prime-time renown has come from a recurring part as the title character in the ITV hit drama The Suspicions of Mr Whicher.

The Guardian - Film

"It is important that an organisation which enjoys such international renown as Queen's should be seen to stand up for the promotion of freedom of speech, a key component of any democracy," he said.

The Guardian

Yet he did not expect rewards; even when he was a figure of world renown he was modest, and seldom took his authority for granted.

The Economist

Just as slack productivity and skill shortages were concealed by finance-fuelled economic growth, beneath the players' renown lay a hobbling deficiency in technique.

The Economist

The Rhodes scholarships are perhaps the world's most celebrated, winning a renown for their founder after his death far greater than the opprobrium he earned during his life.Rhodes believed that the Anglo-Saxons were the finest of all races, and the British empire was God's instrument to maximise their influence.

The Economist

He has become an extraordinary hero in the Philippines, where figures of international renown are scarce.

The Economist

Abu Dhabi can take heart from the international renown of al-Jazeera, a television channel financed by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the emir of nearby Qatar.

The Economist

Oran had once enjoyed some small renown as the westernmost outpost of the Ottoman empire, and was to gain more later as the setting for Albert Camus's "The Plague".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "renown" with adjectives that specify the area or type of recognition, such as "international renown" or "literary renown" to provide more context.

Common error

Avoid using "renown" to describe temporary fame or viral trends. "Renown" implies a lasting and substantial reputation, not just momentary attention. Use terms like "viral sensation" or "buzz" for short-lived popularity.

Linguistic Context

The word "renown" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state of being famous or widely recognized. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in describing individuals, organizations, or achievements that have garnered significant acclaim. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "renown" is a noun signifying widespread and positive recognition, often achieved through sustained effort and significant accomplishments. As a grammatically sound and frequently used term, according to Ludwig, it commonly appears in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts, emphasizing lasting fame rather than fleeting popularity. While synonyms like "fame" and "celebrity" exist, "renown" carries a nuance of earned respect and lasting impact. To ensure accurate usage, avoid confusing it with "notoriety" or applying it to momentary trends. Instead, use it to highlight individuals or entities with established and widely recognized achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fame

A more common and general term for widespread recognition.

celebrity

Implies a high level of public attention and popularity.

reputation

Focuses on the general opinion or perception of someone or something.

prestige

Suggests a high standing or respect earned through achievements.

eminence

Indicates a position of high rank or distinction.

distinction

Highlights a notable quality or achievement that sets someone apart.

notoriety

Being well-known, especially for unfavorable reasons.

acclaim

Public praise and recognition.

prominence

Being important or well-known.

standing

Refers to one's position or reputation within a particular field or community.

FAQs

How is "renown" typically used in a sentence?

"Renown" is often used to describe someone or something that has achieved widespread fame or recognition, as in "The scientist gained "renown" for her groundbreaking research."

What are some alternatives to using the word "renown"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fame", "celebrity", or "reputation". Each carries slightly different nuances.

Is "renown" the same as "notoriety"?

No, "renown" implies positive recognition and respect, while "notoriety" suggests being famous for negative or scandalous reasons.

How does "renown" differ from a simple "good reputation"?

"Renown" suggests a wider scope of recognition, extending beyond immediate circles. While a good reputation might be local or specific, "renown" implies broader, more widespread acknowledgment.