Infamous vs Renowned
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Infamous | Renowned | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Well known for something bad. | Well-known and respected. |
| Register | - | formal |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Used to describe people or actions known for negative reasons. Avoid using in formal settings where a more neutral term may be better. | Use 'renowned' in formal contexts to describe someone or something that is famous and respected. It's not appropriate for casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Infamous vs Renowned
What's the difference between "Infamous" and "Renowned"?
"Infamous" means: Well known for something bad. "Renowned" means: Well-known and respected.
When should I use "Infamous" and "Renowned"?
"Renowned" is formal.
Are "Infamous" and "Renowned" the same CEFR level?
"Infamous" is at C1, "Renowned" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.