famously

IPA/ˈfeɪməsli/
KK[fˈeməsli]IPA/ˈfeɪməsli/

famously — adverb

1. used to introduce a known fact or quality about a person, place, or thing that m

1.adverbB2
Definition

used to introduce a known fact or quality about a person, place, or thing that many people are aware of, often something remarkable or characteristic.

Example

Wei was famously the youngest person ever hired by the national laboratory.

famously + fact about a person

The old market is famously said to sell the best noodles in town.

Common collocations
  • famously strict
  • famously secretive
  • famously said to be
Synonyms
  • notably

    emphasises something as particularly worthy of attention; less about general fame

  • reputedly

    suggests something is widely believed rather than certainly true; more informal

  • notoriously

    specifically for things known in a negative way; carries a strong negative connotation

Grammar Patterns

famously + adjective

famously + fact clause

Usage Note

Commonly introduces a known characteristic of a person, place, or thing. Frequently followed by an adjective characterizing reputation (famously strict, famously secretive) or a complete clause stating a well-known fact.

Common Mistakes

The scientist famously discovering the new element.
The scientist famously discovered the new element in 2019.
'Famously' modifies a verb in the correct tense, not a bare participle.

2. used to describe a relationship between people that is very good and friendly, o

2.adverbB2
Definition

used to describe a relationship between people that is very good and friendly, or a collaboration that is very successful.

Example

Iris and Rohan got along famously from the very first day they met.

collocation: get along famously

The orchestra members worked together famously during the final concert.

Common collocations
  • get along famously
  • get on famously
  • work together famously
  • collaborate famously
Synonyms
  • excellently

    broader in use; works with any activity, not just relationships

  • splendidly

    more formal and old-fashioned; same relationship meaning but less common

  • harmoniously

    focuses on conflict-free cooperation rather than personal warmth

Antonyms
  • badly

    opposite in terms of relationship quality

Grammar Patterns

get along famously

get on famously

work together famously

Usage Note

Only sense that pairs with verbs expressing relationship or cooperation (get along, get on, work together, collaborate). Not used with sensory or emotional verbs.

Common Mistakes

They ate famously together.
They got along famously.
In this sense, 'famously' is only used with relationship verbs, not general actions like eating.
Idioms

get on/along famously

idiom

To have an excellent and friendly relationship with someone.

Mia and her new roommate are getting along famously.

Did your brother and his boss get on famously at the party?

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four adverbs can introduce a well-known fact, but the tone differs. 'Famously' is the most neutral — it simply marks something as widely known. 'Notably' implies the fact is especially worthy of attention or remarkable. 'Reputedly' introduces a belief that may or may not be true, adding uncertainty. 'Notoriously' carries a strong negative meaning: it is used for things known in a bad way. For example: 'This café is famously strict about no laptops' (neutral description of a known rule). 'The same café is notably popular with local artists' (points out a noteworthy detail). 'It is reputedly the oldest building on the street' (reports a belief). 'It is notoriously difficult to get a table without a reservation' (negative reputation).

famously ↗notably ↗reputedlynotoriously ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • get along famously
  • get on famously
  • work together famously
  • collaborate famously

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from 'famous' (meaning 'celebrated, renowned'), which traces back through Anglo-French to Latin 'famosus', from 'fama' ('report, reputation, fame'), plus the common adverb-forming suffix '-ly'. The sense of 'extremely well' (sense 2) developed in the 19th century from the idea of a relationship being so good that it becomes a well-known fact.