illustrious

adjective

- highly distinguished; renowned for past achievements or contributions


- admired and respected, often due to notable success or influence

- having a shining or brilliant reputation in a particular field

Oxford Languages, Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

The word “illustrious” is derived from the Latin illustris, meaning “bright, shining, or distinguished,” from lustrare (“to make bright” or “purify”). The figurative sense probably derived from the Latin verb illustrare, to "embellish, distinguish, make famous". 


In the 1500s illustrious entered English via Old French illustre meaning “notable, splendid”, initially describing people or deeds that stood out like a beacon. In the 1600s–1700s it evolved to emphasize fame and respect earned through remarkable achievements, often in literature, science, or leadership.


Related terms are: “luminous”, “illustrate”, “lustre/lustre”, “lustrous”, and “illustration”.

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SHINING WOMEN

Cleopatra VII (69–30 BCE)
- The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt. Known not just for her beauty and political alliances, but for her intellect, linguistic skill, and powerful rule at a turning point in ancient history.

Joan of Arc (1412–1431)
- A humble peasant girl who led French troops to decisive victories in the Hundred Years’ War. She remains a symbol of courage, faith, and sacrifice — and is still revered as a saint.

Marie Curie (1867–1934)
- Pioneering scientist, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize — and the only person ever to win in two different sciences (Physics and Chemistry). Her groundbreaking work on radioactivity changed science forever.

Emmeline Pankhurst (1858–1928)
- The British suffragette leader who energised the fight for women’s right to vote. Her activism helped pave the way for the enfranchisement of millions — and she remains an icon of civil disobedience.

Malala Yousafzai (born 1997)
- The youngest-ever Nobel laureate. Shot by the Taliban for advocating girls’ education, she survived and became a global voice for access to schooling and human rights — an illustrious modern figure still shaping history.

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SYNONYMS


acclaimed, admired, august, beacon of excellence, big-name, blue-chip, brilliant, celebrated, crown jewel, distinguished, eminent, esteemed, exalted, excellent, exceptional, extraordinary, fabled, famed, famous, glorious, gold standard, great, guiding light, high-profile, highly regarded, honored, iconic, ILLUSTRIOUS, impressive, legendary, lionized, luminous, magnificent, noble, notable, noted, noteworthy, of great repute, of high renown, of high standing, of the first rank, outstanding, paragon, preeminent, prestigious, prominent, renowned, reputable, respected, revered, shining, shining example, shining light, signal, stellar, storied, sublime, superior, towering, transcendent, venerated, well-known, widely admired

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation today, say something like:

“Many ILLUSTRIOUS figures never officially retired,… Picasso completed his final works just days before he died, famously saying, ‘When I die, I want it to be while I’m working’. “

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