famously
|fa-mous-ly|
/ˈfeɪməsli/
(famous)
widely known
Etymology
'famously' originates from English, specifically the adjective 'famous' combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Famous' itself comes from Latin 'famosus', where 'fama' meant 'report, rumor, reputation'.
'fama' (Latin) gave rise to 'famosus' in Late Latin; this passed into Old French and Middle English as 'fame' and 'famous', and the adverbial form was formed in English by adding '-ly' to produce 'famously'.
Initially related to 'report' or 'reputation' (from Latin 'fama'); over time it evolved to mean 'well known' or 'celebrated', and the adverb 'famously' developed to mean 'in a well-known way' or 'as is well known'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a way that is widely known or celebrated; in a manner that has gained fame.
She is famously generous, always donating large sums to charity.
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Adverb 2
used to indicate that something is well known (often implying everyone knows this fact, sometimes with ironic or negative tone).
He is famously late to every meeting.
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Last updated: 2025/10/19 16:04