What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
illustrious
Example
The university has an illustrious history of producing Nobel laureates. [illustrious: adjective]
Example
The concert featured an illustrious lineup of musicians from around the world. [illustrious: adjective]
renowned
Example
The restaurant is renowned for its delicious seafood dishes. [renowned: adjective]
Example
The city is renowned for its vibrant arts scene and festivals. [renowned: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Renowned is more commonly used than illustrious in everyday language. Renowned is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while illustrious is less common and tends to be used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between illustrious and renowned?
Illustrious is more formal and less commonly used than renowned. While renowned can be used in both formal and informal contexts, illustrious is typically associated with a more formal tone and is often used in academic or literary writing.
