illustre

illustrious, distinguished

adjective eel-LOO-streh Rare

Origin: From Latin illustris (bright, distinguished).

Usage Note

Illustre is a two-form adjective (illustre for both m/f; plural illustri). It is a formal or literary word used as an honorific or to describe a celebrated person — un illustre professore, un illustre sconosciuto (an illustrious unknown — used ironically). Avoid it in casual speech, where famoso or noto are more natural.

Examples

"Un illustre scienziato ha ricevuto il premio."

Natural Translation

A distinguished scientist received the prize.

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