ilustre

illustrious

adjective ee-LOOS-treh Rare

Origin: From Latin illustris (bright, distinguished), from in- + lustrare (to light up).

Also means

distinguished

Usage Note

Ilustre is a formal adjective used to honour distinguished people or institutions — ilustre profesor, ilustrísimo señor (the superlative used in official address). It has a single form for both genders (el ilustre invitado, la ilustre escritora). Do not confuse with ilustrado (illustrated, or Enlightened — as in the 18th-century Ilustración).

Examples

"La ilustre escritora recibió el premio."

Natural Translation

The distinguished writer received the award.

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