notoriously 🔊
Meaning of notoriously
In a way that is famous or well-known, typically for something bad or unfavorable.
Key Difference
Unlike synonyms like 'famously' or 'widely known,' 'notoriously' carries a negative connotation, emphasizing infamy rather than positive recognition.
Example of notoriously
- The city is notoriously difficult to navigate due to its complex street layout.
- He was notoriously late to every meeting, much to his colleagues' frustration.
Synonyms
infamously 🔊
Meaning of infamously
In a manner well-known for a bad quality or deed.
Key Difference
While 'notoriously' can sometimes be neutral, 'infamously' is almost exclusively negative.
Example of infamously
- The dictator was infamously ruthless in suppressing dissent.
- That restaurant is infamously overpriced for mediocre food.
famously 🔊
Meaning of famously
In a way that is widely known, often positively.
Key Difference
'Famously' lacks the negative implication of 'notoriously' and is used for celebrated or well-remembered events.
Example of famously
- Einstein famously said, 'Imagination is more important than knowledge.'
- The team famously won the championship against all odds.
notably 🔊
Meaning of notably
In a way that is worthy of attention or remarkable.
Key Difference
'Notably' is neutral and can refer to both positive and negative traits, unlike 'notoriously,' which leans negative.
Example of notably
- She was notably absent from the event, sparking rumors.
- The film was notably successful in international markets.
reputedly 🔊
Meaning of reputedly
According to general belief or rumor.
Key Difference
'Reputedly' suggests hearsay or unconfirmed reports, whereas 'notoriously' implies widespread acknowledgment.
Example of reputedly
- The artifact is reputedly cursed, though no evidence supports the claim.
- He is reputedly the richest person in the city.
legendarily 🔊
Meaning of legendarily
In a way that has become part of legend or folklore.
Key Difference
'Legendarily' often implies exaggeration or myth, while 'notoriously' is grounded in real-world notoriety.
Example of legendarily
- The musician was legendarily unpredictable during live performances.
- The battle was legendarily fierce, inspiring countless stories.
widely 🔊
Meaning of widely
To a large degree or extent; commonly.
Key Difference
'Widely' is neutral and lacks the negative or infamous connotation of 'notoriously.'
Example of widely
- The theory is widely accepted among scientists.
- The book was widely criticized for its inaccuracies.
publicly 🔊
Meaning of publicly
In a manner observable by or known to people in general.
Key Difference
'Publicly' simply means in the open, without the negative emphasis of 'notoriously.'
Example of publicly
- The CEO publicly apologized for the company's mistake.
- She was publicly praised for her philanthropic work.
scandalously 🔊
Meaning of scandalously
In a manner causing public outrage or shock.
Key Difference
'Scandalously' implies moral outrage, while 'notoriously' can refer to any negative trait, not just scandal.
Example of scandalously
- The politician was scandalously involved in multiple corruption cases.
- The celebrity's behavior was scandalously inappropriate for the event.
egregiously 🔊
Meaning of egregiously
In an outstandingly bad or shocking way.
Key Difference
'Egregiously' emphasizes extreme negativity, whereas 'notoriously' can describe milder negative traits.
Example of egregiously
- The judge ruled that the defendant's rights were egregiously violated.
- The company was egregiously underpaying its employees.
Conclusion
- 'Notoriously' is best used when describing something widely known for negative reasons, distinguishing it from neutral or positive synonyms.
- 'Infamously' can be used in situations where the negative aspect is undeniable and extreme.
- If the context is positive or neutral, 'famously' is a better choice than 'notoriously.'
- Use 'notably' when the focus is on something remarkable, whether good or bad.
- 'Reputedly' works best when the information is based on rumors rather than confirmed facts.
- 'Legendarily' should be reserved for cases where exaggeration or myth is involved.
- 'Widely' is a safe, neutral alternative when negativity isn't the focus.
- 'Publicly' is appropriate when describing actions known to the general public, without negative implications.
- 'Scandalously' is ideal when moral outrage or shock is central to the context.
- 'Egregiously' should be used for extreme cases of wrongdoing or bad behavior.