illustre

illustrious

adjective ee-LYOOSTR Rare

Origin: Latin illustris 'bright, distinguished'

Also means

renowned

Usage Note

Illustre is a formal or literary adjective used to describe someone of great fame or distinction: un illustre inconnu is an ironic phrase meaning 'a total unknown' (literally 'an illustrious stranger'). The feminine form is identical: une illustre carrière. The reflexive verb s'illustrer means 'to distinguish oneself'.

Examples

"C'est un illustre compositeur du dix-neuvième siècle."

Natural Translation

He is an illustrious composer of the nineteenth century.

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