Renowns

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A state of being widely acclaimed and recognized for notable achievements or qualities
2. the regard and admiration earned from others due to exceptional accomplishments or attributes
3. a reputation that inspires respect and praise across a broad audience or community

Etymology: "Renowns" is simply the plural of "renown," so the real story is that of the singular. "Renown" came into English from Old French "renoun," the form that survives today in modern French as "renom." The Old French word is built from "re-" and "noun," the latter a form of "nom," meaning "name." Renown, then, is at root a matter of having a name that is spoken about again and again, the name being carried back and forth through many mouths. That sense of being repeatedly named fits the word's current meaning, the admiration and regard that exceptional achievement brings. A person of renown is someone whose name has travelled far beyond their own circle, and the plural "renowns" is used for the separate instances or kinds of such fame.

Synonyms: fame, celebrity, prominence

Antonyms: obscurity