Word of the Day

: September 14, 2006

notorious

adjective noh-TOR-ee-us

What It Means

: generally known and talked of; especially : widely and unfavorably known

notorious in Context

That particular model of car is notorious for quickly developing a number of irritating mechanical problems.

Did You Know?

"Notorious" was adopted into English in the 16th century from Medieval Latin "notorius," itself from Late Latin's noun "notorium," meaning "information" or "indictment." "Notorium," in turn, derives from the Latin verb "noscere," meaning "to come to know." Although "notorious" can be a synonym of "famous," meaning simply "widely known," it long ago developed the additional implication of someone or something unpleasant or undesirable. The Book of Common Prayer Offices of 1549 includes the first known use of the unfavorable meaning in print, referring to "notorious synners."