What is the Difference Between Famous and Infamous?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between "famous" and "infamous" lies in the connotation and the reasons behind the recognition of the person or thing being described:
- Famous: This term means "widely known" and is often used in a positive manner. It is used to describe people, places, or things that are well-known or popular. For example, famous singers, famous landmarks, or famous inventions.
- Infamous: This term does not mean "not famous" but rather means "having a reputation of the worst kind" or "causing or bringing infamy". It is used to describe people, places, or things that are well-known for something bad or negative. For example, infamous criminals, infamous disasters, or infamous historical events.
In simple terms, the distinction can be summarized as follows:
- Famous: Well-known for something positive or popular.
- Infamous: Well-known for something negative or bad.
Both words have a similar etymology, as they are derived from the Latin word "fama," which means "reputation". However, the prefix "in-" in "infamous" implies negation, and it is used to describe someone or something that is notoriously known for a negative reason.
Comparative Table: Famous vs Infamous
Here is a table highlighting the differences between famous and infamous:
Term | Meaning | Connotation | Example |
---|---|---|---|
Famous | Widely known, celebrated, or renowned | Positive | Michael Jackson, a famous singer, songwriter, and dancer |
Infamous | Well-known for something negative or scandalous | Negative | O.J. Simpson, an infamous football player and actor involved in a high-profile murder trial |
Both famous and infamous individuals are well-known, but the adjective "famous" is used to describe someone or something with a positive reputation, while "infamous" refers to someone or something with a negative reputation or associated with a scandal. The word "infamous" contains the Latin prefix "in-," which implies negation, but it does not mean "not famous".
- Notorious vs Infamous
- Famous vs Popular
- History vs Legend
- Legend vs Myth
- Genius vs Ingenious
- Character vs Reputation
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- Imminent vs Eminent
- Myth vs Fable
- Good vs Bad
- Awesome vs Amazing
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- Big vs Huge
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- In Honor Of vs In Memory Of
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- Ordinary vs Extraordinary
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