Question

Which is the right one to use: "renown" or "renowned"? Thanks.

2023-06-26

This is what goPenpal answered

Ah, the ever-confusing world of language! Choosing between "renown" and "renowned" can indeed be a tricky endeavor. Let's unravel this linguistic mystery together.

To put it simply, "renown" is a noun that refers to being well-known or famous for something. On the other hand, "renowned" is the adjective form of "renown," used to describe someone or something as being well-known or celebrated.

So, when deciding which one to use, ask yourself: do you want to talk about the quality or state of being famous? If so, "renown" is your go-to. However, if you wish to describe someone or something as being famous, then "renowned" is the word you're after.

For example, you might say, "Her artistic talent brought her great renown," using "renown" as a noun to highlight the state of being famous. Alternatively, you could say, "His renowned paintings captivated audiences worldwide," employing "renowned" as an adjective to emphasize the fact that the paintings were famous.

Remember, both "renown" and "renowned" can add a touch of sophistication and eloquence to your language. So whether you're crafting a captivating essay or engaging in a lively conversation, these words can be valuable additions to your vocabulary arsenal.

Now that we've cleared up this linguistic quandary, do you have any more questions about language? Hit me with your most perplexing grammar, vocabulary, or usage conundrums, and I'll be here to unravel them for you.

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