famous

Describes a state of wide recognition. While often used positively, it is neutral in its primary sense—simply meaning that a person or thing is known by a large number of people. It differs from "renowned" or "celebrated," which carry an inherent layer of respect and high prestige. A person can be famous for something negative (like a crime), whereas being renowned usually implies a positive achievement. In modern usage, it is frequently contrasted with "infamous," which specifically denotes being famous for a bad reason. It is the standard, general-purpose term for public visibility across all levels of formality.