What is the Difference Between Famous and Infamous?

The difference between "famous" and "infamous" lies in the connotation and the reasons behind the recognition of the person or thing being described:

• Famous: This term means "widely known" and is often used in a positive manner. It is used to describe people, places, or things that are well-known or popular. For example, famous singers, famous landmarks, or famous inventions.
• Infamous: This term does not mean "not famous" but rather means "having a reputation of the worst kind" or "causing or bringing infamy". It is used to describe people, places, or things that are well-known for something bad or negative. For example, infamous criminals, infamous disasters, or infamous historical events.

In simple terms, the distinction can be summarized as follows:

• Famous: Well-known for something positive or popular.
• Infamous: Well-known for something negative or bad.

Both words have a similar etymology, as they are derived from the Latin word "fama," which means "reputation". However, the prefix "in-" in "infamous" implies negation, and it is used to describe someone or something that is notoriously known for a negative reason.

Comparative Table: Famous vs Infamous

Here is a table highlighting the differences between famous and infamous:

Both famous and infamous individuals are well-known, but the adjective "famous" is used to describe someone or something with a positive reputation, while "infamous" refers to someone or something with a negative reputation or associated with a scandal. The word "infamous" contains the Latin prefix "in-," which implies negation, but it does not mean "not famous".