Illustrious — Il*lus tri*ous, a. [L. illustris, prob. for illuxtris; fr. il in + the root of lucidus bright: cf. F. illustre. See {Lucid}.] 1. Possessing luster or brightness; brilliant; luminous; splendid. [1913 Webster] Quench the light; thine eyes are… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
illustrious — (adj.) 1560s, from L. illustris lighted, bright, brilliant; figuratively distinguished, famous, probably a back formation from illustrare embellish, distinguish, make famous (see ILLUSTRATION (Cf. illustration)). Sometimes also illustrous.… … Etymology dictionary
illustrious — eminent, renowned, celebrated, *famous, famed Analogous words: glorious, *splendid, resplendent, sublime: outstanding, signal, striking, conspicuous (see NOTICEABLE) Antonyms: infamous Contrasted words: ignoble, *mean, abject: ignominious,… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
illustrious — [adj] famous, prominent big league*, brilliant, celeb*, celebrated, distinguished, eminent, esteemed, exalted, famed, glorious, great, heavy, lofty, monster*, name*, noble, notable, noted, outstanding, remarkable, renowned, resplendent, signal,… … New thesaurus
illustrious — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ famous and admired for past achievements. DERIVATIVES illustriousness noun. ORIGIN Latin illustris clear, bright … English terms dictionary
illustrious — [i lus′trē əs] adj. [< L illustris, clear, conspicuous, distinguished (back form. < illustrare: see ILLUSTRATE) + OUS] 1. Obs. a) lustrous; shining; bright b) very clear; evident 2. very distinguished; famous; eminent; outstanding SYN … English World dictionary
illustrious — il|lus|tri|ous [ ı lʌstriəs ] adjective FORMAL an illustrious person is famous and respected because of what they have achieved: DISTINGUISHED: Wagner was just one of many illustrious visitors to the town. an illustrious career/history/past … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
illustrious — [[t]ɪlʌ̱striəs[/t]] ADJ GRADED: usu ADJ n If you describe someone as an illustrious person, you mean that they are extremely well known because they have a high position in society or they have done something impressive. ...the most illustrious… … English dictionary
illustrious — UK [ɪˈlʌstrɪəs] / US adjective formal an illustrious person is famous and respected because of what they have achieved Wagner was just one of many illustrious visitors to the town. an illustrious career/history/past … English dictionary
illustrious — illustriously, adv. illustriousness, n. /i lus tree euhs/, adj. 1. highly distinguished; renowned; famous: an illustrious leader. 2. glorious, as deeds or works: many illustrious achievements. 3. Obs. luminous; bright. [1560 70; < L illustri(s)… … Universalium
