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What is the difference between famous and infamous?

famous | infamous | Related terms |

Infamous is a related term of famous.



As adjectives the difference between famous and infamous

is that famous is well known while infamous is having a bad reputation, disreputable; of bad report; notoriously vile; detestable; widely known, especially for something bad.

famous

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Well known.
  • In the public eye.
    • Some people are only famous within their city.

    Synonyms

    * famed, noted, celebrated, well-known, renowned * See

    Derived terms

    * famously * famous last words

    Related terms

    * infamous

    infamous

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • having a bad reputation, disreputable; of bad report; notoriously vile; detestable; widely known, especially for something bad
    • He was an infamous traitor.
    He was an infamous perjurer.
  • causing infamy; disgraceful
    • This infamous deed tarnishes all involved.
  • (archaic) in England / Great Britain, a judicial punishment which deprived the infamous person of certain rights; this included a prohibition against holding public office, exercising the franchise, receiving a public pension, serving on a jury, or giving testimony in a court of law.

    • Derived terms

    * infamously * infamousness * infamy

    References

    * Oxford English Dictionary