OpenEtymology

well-known

UKˌwel ˈnəʊnUSˌwel ˈnoʊn

Meaning

1adj.

众所周知的,著名的

Structure

word structure
1
well
好,充分
+
2
known
知晓的

Usage

She is a well-known author in the field of science fiction.

她是科幻小说领域的一位著名作家。

The restaurant is well-known for its authentic Italian cuisine.

这家餐厅以地道的意大利菜闻名。

His well-known generosity earned him many friends.

他出了名的慷慨为他赢得了许多朋友。

Etymology

复合词 well-known 由副词 well 强化形容词 known 构成,字面意为“被充分知晓的”。中古英语时期开始广泛使用,通过强调认知的广泛性,自然演化为“著名的”这一现代含义。

Analysis

Structure
well-known=well好,充分+known知晓的

• well:源自古英语 wel(好,充分),与德语 wohl 同源,表示程度或状态。

• known:过去分词形式,源自动词 know(知晓),古英语 cnāwan,与德语 kennen 同源。

词源溯源: 复合词 well-known 由副词 well 强化形容词 known 构成,字面意为“被充分知晓的”。中古英语时期开始广泛使用,通过强调认知的广泛性,自然演化为“著名的”这一现代含义。

Well-known Meaning & Word Parts (well + known) | OpenEtymology