illustrious
adjective
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Today’s spotlight is on illustrious, from the Latin adjective illustris, meaning "shining brightly with light." Illustris itself was probably a back-formation of the Latin verb illustrare, a word with varied meanings, among them "to light up," "to make clear," and "to embellish." (Our word illustrate also comes from illustrare, of course; its original meaning was "to enlighten intellectually, culturally, or spiritually.") At one time, illustrious could be used synonymously with its immediate Latin forbear to describe things that glow brightly, but that meaning is now considered archaic. The word today is almost exclusively used to describe something—such as a career or achievement—that stands out figuratively, shining brilliantly in the mind's eye.
Synonyms
Examples of illustrious in a Sentence
Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
When, in their mid-fifties, the brothers accepted appointments at the University of Berlin, Jacob spurned any honors and illustrious positions that would take him away from his desk.
—Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
From the late 1960s into the early 1980s, Jones was a prolific performer and producer, releasing solo albums like Body Heat and The Dude while working with illustrious other artists.
—Evan Minsker, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2024
What were once portraits of Black wealth and excellence at his illustrious parties have now become sites for scrutiny and criminal inspection.
—Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 31 Oct. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near illustrious
Cite this Entry
“Illustrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrious. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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illustrious
adjective
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