fame
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
The state of being widely known and recognized, especially for achievements.
Public reputation or renown; the condition of being celebrated.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an uncountable, abstract noun. Implies a positive (or sometimes neutral) recognition, distinct from 'infamy'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical connotations.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK corpora in certain literary or historical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of N (fame of the artist)ADJ + N (great fame)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fifteen minutes of fame”
- “claim to fame”
- “fame and fortune”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts like 'personal branding' or 'influencer marketing'.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or media studies (e.g., 'the cult of fame').
Everyday
Common in discussing celebrities, success in sports or arts.
Technical
Not applicable in most technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was famed for his charitable work.
- The region is famed for its coastline.
American English
- She is famed as a brilliant strategist.
- The restaurant is famed for its pies.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form ('famously' is used).
American English
- No standard adverbial form ('famously' is used).
adjective
British English
- The famed author gave a rare interview.
- They visited the famed cliffs.
American English
- The famed director attended the premiere.
- He stayed at the famed hotel.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She wants to be famous.
- His fame is very big.
- He achieved fame after his film won an award.
- Many people dream of fame and money.
- Despite her international fame, she remained remarkably down-to-earth.
- The athlete's rise to fame was sudden and overwhelming.
- The philosopher actively shunned the fame that his controversial theories could have brought him.
- Her posthumous fame far exceeded the recognition she received during her lifetime.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FAME sounds like 'name' - when you are famous, everyone knows your name.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAME IS A SUBSTANCE (seek fame, bask in fame), FAME IS A LOCATION (rise to fame, fall from fame).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'известность' (which can be mere notoriety); 'fame' is more positive. Do not translate directly as 'слава' in all contexts, as 'слава' can be more emotive and grand.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'a fame' (incorrect as uncountable). Overuse in learner English for any minor recognition.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'fame' in the sentence: 'He sought fame, not fortune.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always uncountable. You do not say 'a fame' or 'fames'.
'Fame' is the abstract state of being known. 'Celebrity' often refers to the condition itself or, more commonly, to a famous person (a celebrity).
Typically, 'fame' is neutral or positive. For negative public recognition, words like 'infamy', 'notoriety', or 'scandal' are more appropriate.
It refers to a short period of being famous or receiving a lot of attention, often suggesting it is temporary and may not be based on lasting merit.