Spanish word

ilustre

Pronunciation

IPA/iˈlustɾe/

Meaning

  • adjectivefamous

Example

Es un ilustre autor.

He is a famous author.

Illustration for ilustre (famous)

More examples

Conocimos al ilustre colega en la conferencia.

We met the illustrious colleague at the conference.

Core concept

A gilded framed portrait with a laurel wreath hanging in a town hall.

Common phrases

  • ilustre colega

    illustrious colleague

  • ilustre persona

    illustrious person

Similar words

famoso: Widely known and popularly recognized by the general public.
conocido: Known within a specific region, group, or circle.
célebre: Widely acclaimed for notable achievements or exceptional talent.
destacado: Prominent and outstanding within a field, visibly standing out for accomplishments.

Definition in Spanish

Que tiene fama o prestigio por méritos, obras o posición; persona o cosa reconocida y respetada en su ámbito.

Word origin

Derived from Latin illustris meaning 'bright' or 'distinguished', with the light metaphor evolving into a word for respected or renowned people and institutions in Spanish.

Usage tips

  • Frequently appears before institutional names and honorifics (for example Ilustre Colegio or Ilustre Ayuntamiento), so it functions as a formal title rather than casual praise.

Other meanings

  • well-knownadjective
  • renownedadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word