Illustrious
/ɪˈlʌs.tri.əs/noun
Well-known, respected, and admired for past achievements.
Did you know?The term 'illustrious' is rooted in the Latin 'illustrare', which means 'to enlighten' or 'to illuminate', connecting it to the ancient practice of wisdom and divine insight.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*lewk-
“to shine, to be light”
Latin
Latin
illustrare
“to illuminate, to bring to light, to shine upon”
Late Latin
Late Latin
illustriosus
“illuminated, bright, famous”
Old French
Old French
illustre
“famous, renowned, distinguished”
Middle English
Middle English
illustrious
“famous, renowned, shining in reputation”
Modern English
English
illustrious
“notably famous or brilliant, shining brightly in reputation”
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