Notoriously
nəʊˈtɔːriəsli
Definitions
In a manner that is widely known, especially for something bad or negative.
nəʊˈtɔːriəsli
In a way that is widely and unfavorably known.
The area is notoriously prone to flooding during heavy rain.
💡 Simply: It's like when everyone knows about something bad or scandalous, like a celebrity's bad habits or a place that's famous for being unsafe. So, if something is notoriously difficult, everyone knows how tough it is.
👶 For kids: When something is notoriously, it means lots of people know about it, usually something bad or not good.
More Examples
He was notoriously late for all of his appointments.
The restaurant is notoriously expensive, but the food is delicious.
How It's Used
"The company is notoriously slow in responding to customer complaints."
"The city is notoriously difficult to navigate during rush hour."
"He is notoriously frugal with his money."
From Latin *notōrius* ("well-known, notorious") + -ly. The word entered English in the 16th century.
The word 'notoriously' has been used since the 16th century to describe something widely known, often in a negative context. Early uses emphasized the public aspect of the knowledge, whether good or bad, but the negative connotation has become dominant over time.
Memory tip
Think of something widely known and negative: a notorious criminal.
Word Origin
"known"