Notorious Meaning and Definition
Notorious
Pronunciation
/ˈnɒtərɪəs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who is notorious is well-known and widely recognized, often for their reputation or accomplishments.
Examples
- She’s a notorious artist known for her bold and provocative works.
- The infamous pirate was notorious for his bravery and cunning.
- He’s notorious for his ability to tell the most outrageous lies.
- The town was notorious for its red-light district.
- The infamous film is notorious for its graphic violence.
- The boxer was notorious for his rough fighting style.
Synonyms
- Infamous
- Noted
- Famous
Antonyms
- Anonymous
- Unknown
- Ignored
Additional Information
Notorious individuals or things often attract significant attention, whether it’s due to their accomplishments, controversial reputation, or sensationalized media coverage. The term can also be applied to products, events, or places that are widely recognized and often talked about.
In psychology, the term notorious is sometimes used to describe a phenomenon known as the “notoriety effect,” where people are more likely to remember and be affected by negative information about a person or thing than positive information.
Etymology
The word notorious comes from the Latin “notorius,” meaning “well-known” or “famous.”
Usage Notes
Notorious is often used to describe individuals, events, or things that are widely recognized and often sensationalized in the media.
In formal or academic writing, it’s often more appropriate to use synonyms like “infamous” or “famous.”
Cultural References
Notorious is a famous 1997 film directed by Spike Lee about the life of the musical duo Pam Grier and Mario Van Peebles.
In music, the Notorious B.I.G. was a famous rapper who released several successful albums before his death in 1997.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Make a name for oneself
- Get a reputation
- Become notorious
Related Words or Phrases
- Famous
- Infamous
- Noted
- Noted for
Collocations
- Notorious for
- Notorious crime
- Notorious scandal
- Notorious figure
Frequency of Use
The word notorious is commonly used in modern language, especially in informal contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Noteriour
- Notarius
- Noterious