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renown

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March 12, 2008, 12:22
BobHale
renown
I had a discussion with a colleague today about the word renown. It was prompted by this statement on BBC news this morning in an item about a French murderer. He was referred to in the item as "the renowned French rapist and serial killer"*.

I maintain that this is a wrong usage as renown carries an implication of honour and admiration and that the better word word be "infamous" or perhaps "notorious".

My colleague maintained that "renowned" simply means "famous" and is neutral in terms of implied sentiment.

Some dictionaries were consulted and the same duality appeared. Some defined it as "famous" and others as "honoured".

Anyone got any opinion on this?

(*Of course he might well be renowned in serial killer circles.)


"No man but a blockhead ever wrote except for money." Samuel Johnson.
March 12, 2008, 12:40
tsuwm
etymologically, it may mean merely fame; in modern usage, acclaim (with honor).
March 12, 2008, 19:00
shufitz
Bob, I agree with you whole-heartedly.

AHD says simply, "These adjectives mean widely known and esteemed," and lists noted, celebrated, eminent, famed, famous, illustrious, notable, preeminent, renowned.

MW gives the shadings: