célèbre

Célèbre is a French adjective meaning famous or renowned. It describes people, works, places, events, or things that are widely known or recognized. In ordinary use it conveys a positive sense of recognition, though context can shade it toward irony or notoriety. Examples include “un écrivain célèbre” (a famous writer) and “une ville célèbre pour son histoire” (a city famous for its history). When indicating the reason for fame, the construction “célèbre pour” is common, as in “célèbre pour ses inventions.”

Etymology: Célèbre derives from the Latin celeber, meaning “frequent, celebrated,” and entered Old French before becoming the modern French term. The related noun is célébrité (fem.), meaning fame or celebrity. The word has cognates in several languages, including English “celebrate/celebrated” in related senses.

Grammar and usage: The adjective is invariable in form for gender in spelling: masculine singular “célèbre,” feminine singular “célèbre.” The plural is “célèbres” for both genders. It can modify a noun directly (“un homme célèbre”) or come after a linking verb (“Cette œuvre est célèbre”). The verb “rendre célèbre” means to make someone or something famous.

Nuance and synonyms: “connu” means known or familiar but does not necessarily imply fame; “illustre” suggests distinguished historical significance; “renommé” or “réputé” indicate reputation, often with positive connotations.

See also: célébrité (the noun form), renommer, renommé.