Notorious Meaning

Notorious

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Widely known, often in a negative or unfavorable sense.
2. Famous or well-known for something bad or undesirable.
3. Having a reputation that is associated with disgrace or infamy.
4. Known for a particular characteristic, especially something negative or controversial.
5. A term used to describe someone or something with a reputation for wrongdoing or bad behavior.

History and Origin

The word “notorious” comes from the Latin notorius, meaning “well-known,” from the root notus, meaning “known.” It entered English in the late 16th century. Initially, it did not always carry a negative connotation and simply meant “widely known.” However, over time, the meaning of “notorious” shifted toward a more negative usage, often referring to individuals or actions that were famous for their misconduct or disgrace.

Detailed Explanation

“Notorious” is used to describe someone or something that is widely known, especially for something negative, controversial, or scandalous. It implies that the reputation is associated with infamy or disrepute, rather than positive or neutral fame.

For example, a criminal might be referred to as notorious because their illegal activities are well-known. Similarly, a controversial figure or event that has sparked widespread disapproval could be described as notorious. The term emphasizes the negative impact of the subject’s fame or recognition.

While “notorious” usually carries a negative meaning, it can sometimes be used more lightly or sarcastically to refer to someone’s fame for any reason, whether good or bad, depending on the context.

Example Sentences

1. The notorious outlaw was wanted in several states for his criminal activities.
2. The company’s poor environmental practices made it notorious in the industry.
3. He was a notorious gambler, often losing large sums of money in a single night.
4. The film became notorious for its controversial content.
5. The city is notorious for its traffic jams during rush hour.
6. She became notorious for her outspoken views on politics.
7. The notorious hacker was finally caught after evading authorities for years.
8. The restaurant gained a notorious reputation for poor customer service.
9. The book was notorious for its scandalous portrayal of historical figures.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Infamous – Known for something bad, particularly a crime or scandal, similar to notorious.
2. Disreputable – Having a bad reputation or unworthy of respect, like something notorious.
3. Famous – Widely known, although typically without the negative connotations of notorious.
4. Scandalous – Causing public outrage or disapproval, akin to being notorious.
5. Flagrant – Openly or obviously offensive, often in a way that makes someone notorious.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Reputation – The general opinion of someone or something, often tied to being notorious if negative.
2. Controversial – Likely to provoke public disagreement or disapproval, leading to notoriety.
3. Infamy – The state of being famous for something bad or criminal, closely related to notorious.
4. Scorn – Open contempt or disdain, often associated with the notoriety of someone’s actions.
5. Dishonor – A loss of respect or reputation, typically a result of notorious behavior.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Publicity – The attention or exposure given to someone or something, often leading to notoriety.
2. Censure – Strong disapproval or condemnation, especially when associated with a notorious action.
3. Tarnished – Damaged or sullied, often used to describe a reputation that has become notorious.
4. Stigma – A mark of disgrace or shame, often attached to someone notorious.
5. Reproach – Expression of disapproval or criticism, often directed at someone notorious.

Antonyms

1. Reputable
2. Honorable
3. Esteemed
4. Respectable
5. Famous (in a positive sense)