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adjective

illustrious

ih-LUHS-trih-uhs
adjective
1
Widely admired and respected, especially for great achievements.
"She had an illustrious career spanning four decades in medicine."
"The award honours the illustrious history of the university."

How to Use Illustrious

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFamous and highly respected, usually because of a strong record of achievement.

Common pairings
illustrious career illustrious history illustrious reputation

Word Forms

more illustrious comparative, most illustrious superlative

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She had an _____ career spanning four decades in medicine.

Etymology

From Latin illustris, "bright, distinguished," from illustrare, "to brighten, make famous."

Rhymes for illustrious

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial