renown
C1Formal, literary, elevated. Often found in journalism, academia, and biographical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The state of being widely known and celebrated; fame.
High distinction achieved, especially for noteworthy achievements in a specific field, leading to public esteem.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to positive, admired fame based on achievements. Implies a degree of public respect and admiration beyond simple popularity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both treat the word as a noun. The verb 'renown' is archaic, and the adjective is 'renowned'.
Connotations
Slightly more literary or formal in both varieties, but equally understood.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects, though it is a lower-frequency word overall.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
achieve renown as a [noun]gain renown for [gerund/noun phrase]renown as a [noun]renown for [noun/gerund]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hall of fame (related concept)”
- “Household name (stronger, more pervasive familiarity)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The consultancy gained renown for its innovative turnaround strategies.
Academic
The professor enjoyed considerable renown in the field of quantum mechanics.
Everyday
The little bakery has gained local renown for its sourdough.
Technical
Used infrequently, but can appear in fields like sports science ('The athlete's renown was built on peer-reviewed training methods.')
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Rarely used, but in historical texts: "His deeds did renown him throughout the realm."
American English
- 'Rarely used, but in historical texts: "His exploits did renown him across the frontier."
adverb
British English
- 'No direct adverbial form. Could use "renownedly" (archaic/extremely rare).'
American English
- 'No direct adverbial form. Could use "renownedly" (archaic/extremely rare).'
adjective
British English
- 'Not used. The adjectival form is "renowned" (e.g., a renowned British architect).'
American English
- 'Not used. The adjectival form is "renowned" (e.g., a renowned American author).'
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She is a chef of great renown.
- The artist gained renown for her colourful paintings.
- The university's medical school has achieved international renown for its research.
- His renown as a legal scholar rests on a foundation of rigorous, groundbreaking publications.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'RE-kNOWN' as being known again and again (repeatedly), implying widespread and lasting fame.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAME IS A VALUABLE POSSESSION (gain, achieve, acquire renown); FAME IS HEIGHT (high renown, rise to renown).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'renovation' (ремонт/реконструкция).
- Often translated as 'известность' or 'слава', but 'слава' can be more emotive and 'известность' more neutral.
- 'Renown' is the noun; the adjective is 'renowned' (знаменитый), not 'renown'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'renown' as an adjective (e.g., 'He is a renown scientist' – INCORRECT; correct: 'renowned').
- Confusing spelling: renown vs. reknown (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'renown' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are close synonyms, but 'renown' often implies fame specifically for positive achievements, with a nuance of respect and honour. It can sound more formal than 'fame'.
No, this is a common mistake. 'Renown' is a noun. The correct adjective is 'renowned', as in 'a renowned scientist'.
The verb 'renown' (meaning to make famous) is archaic and almost never used in modern English. You would use phrases like 'make famous' or 'bring renown to' instead.
'Renown' specifically means widespread fame or public recognition. 'Reputation' is what is generally said or believed about a person's character or standing, which can be good, bad, or local, not necessarily widespread.