5 ms·

Really? I didn't know that,in Italian it a similar word translates into "famous". I wonder how many times I've used it incorrectly...

• cperciva 8y ago
  "Notorious" does mean "famous", but it carries the added implication of being famous for being bad. I suspect the meaning has changed over time, just like "awful" used to mean "awe-inspiring".
  • wafflesindeed 8y ago
    I think you mean awesome? Or have I been wrong all along?
    • cperciva 8y ago
      "Awesome" still carries a positive meaning. "Awful" changed from being a synonym for "wonderful" to a synonym for "terrible".
    • dingaling 8y ago
      Ivan the Terrible was originally Ivan the Awful, as in inspiring awe rather than terror.