Renommée

Renommée is a French noun meaning fame or reputation, particularly the favorable esteem that a person, organization, or thing has acquired in the public sphere. It emphasizes recognition and prestige rather than mere hearsay, and is commonly used to describe how widely and positively something is known. Phrases such as une bonne renommée or une renommée internationale illustrate its positive or global scope. Renommée can apply to individuals (a scientist with a large renommée), institutions, cities, brands, or works of art.

Usage and nuance: Renommée conveys a sense of sustained esteem and public recognition that often stems from achievements, quality, or historical prominence. It is typically more positive than the broader term réputation, which can be neutral or even negative depending on context or rumors. In everyday language, one speaks of une excellente renommée, or, conversely, d’une renommée entachée when the esteem has been damaged. The adjective renommé, meaning renowned, is commonly used to describe highly regarded subjects or products.

Etymology: Renommée derives from an old form related to renom (fame or reputation), built from the root nom (name) with a suffix that marks a state or quality. The term thus conveys the sense of being well known and esteemed rather than merely being named.

See also: Réputation, Renom, Renommé (adjective). In discourse, the concept is central to discussions of prestige, branding, and historical memory.