berömd

Berömd is a Swedish adjective meaning widely known or renowned. It is used to describe persons, works, places or institutions that have achieved public recognition. The term generally conveys a positive or approving sense, but it can also be used neutrally to indicate notable fame.

Etymology and form: berömd derives from the verb berömma, meaning to praise. The word is formed as a past participle and functions as an adjective. Swedish adjectives inflect for gender, number and definiteness. The basic forms are: en berömd (common gender, indefinite singular), ett berömt (neuter, indefinite singular), and berömda (plural or definite singular). For example: en berömd författare, det berömda verket, de berömda författarna.

Usage and connotations: berömd is commonly used for people, such as artists, scientists or actors, as well as for works, brands or places that enjoy broad public recognition. It often answers the question “vem?” or “vad är känt?” and is frequently combined with för to specify the reason for fame, as in berömd för sina bedrifter eller berömd som pionjär inom ett område. The term is usually positive, though in some contexts it may appear in a critical or ironic sense if the fame is controversial or debated, and authors may choose omtalad to emphasize being talked about rather than favorable recognition.

Related terms: känd and välkänd are near synonyms with slightly different connotations, emphasizing being known rather than celebrated. Omfamningen av berömdhet varierar with cultural and media contexts. Notoritet tends to carry a negative or controversial undertone, whereas berömd typically implies esteemed recognition.

See also: känd, välkänd, omtalad, beröm.