well-known

well-known — adjective

1. describes a person, thing, or place that a very large number of people have hear

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describes a person, thing, or place that a very large number of people have heard of or can identify.

Example

The hill-top temple is a well-known landmark that hikers visit every year.

well-known + noun as a modifier

Nikhil is well-known among local artists for his colorful street murals.

be well-known among [group] for [reason]

Common collocations
  • well-known for
  • well-known as
  • well-known among
  • well-known to
  • become well-known
  • well-known figure
Synonyms
  • famous

    more commonly used in everyday speech; can imply a higher degree of public attention

  • renowned

    more formal and suggests great respect and admiration

  • notable

    suggests something is worthy of attention without necessarily being widely known

  • celebrated

    often implies public praise and acclaim, especially in the arts

Antonyms
  • unknown

    not known or recognized by anyone

  • obscure

    not widely known and often difficult to find information about

Grammar Patterns

well-known + noun

be + well-known

be + well-known + for + noun/-ing

be + well-known + as + noun

be + well-known + among + plural noun

Usage Note

Commonly followed by for (the reason for recognition), as (the role or identity), or among (a specific group of people). The comparative and superlative forms are better-known and best-known.

Common Mistakes

She is very well-known person.
She is a very well-known person. / She is very well-known.
When well-known directly precedes a noun, an article or determiner is needed before the phrase.
This place is well-known of its cakes.
This place is well-known for its cakes.
Use for to introduce the reason, not of.

Word family

  • better-known
    adjectiveB1
  • best-known
    adjectiveB1
  • know
    verbA1
  • knowledge
    nounA2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe someone or something that many people know about. Famous is the most general and common word — it can apply to anyone or anything widely known, from film stars to local landmarks. Renowned is more formal and carries a strong sense of respect; a renowned scientist is admired within their field. Notable is weaker — it simply means worth noticing or remembering, without implying widespread fame; a notable achievement may only be known to experts. Celebrated suggests public praise and recognition, especially in the arts; a celebrated painter is one whose work is shown and admired. For everyday use, famous is the safest choice. For a scientist or expert, renowned fits better. For an achievement or feature, notable works well.

famous ↗renowned ↗notable ↗celebrated ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • well-known for its
  • well-known as a
  • well-known among

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Well-known is formed by joining the adverb well (meaning 'thoroughly, fully, or to a great degree') with the past participle known (from the verb know). The compound has been in use since around the 14th century, originally meaning 'thoroughly known' and later expanding to 'known by many people.'