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well known vs well-known

Both "well known" and "well-known" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Well known" is used as an adjective before a noun, while "well-known" is used as a compound adjective before a noun. The hyphenated form is more common in written English.

Last updated: March 17, 2024 • 867 views

well known

This phrase is correct when used as an adjective before a noun.

Use "well known" when you want to describe something that is widely recognized or familiar.

Examples:

  • She is a well-known actress in the industry.
  • The restaurant is well known for its delicious food.
  • well known definition: 1. known or recognized by many people: 2. known or recognized by many people: 3. known or…. Learn more.

Alternatives:

  • famous
  • renowned
  • celebrated
  • recognized

well-known

This phrase is correct when used as a compound adjective before a noun.

Use "well-known" when you want to create a compound adjective to describe something that is widely recognized or familiar.

Examples:

  • He is a well-known author in the literary world.
  • The company is well-known for its innovative products.
  • See well–known defined for English-language learners .... "It is well known that our Holy Father Francis had great devotion to the Child Jesus... ( Habig 1959 ...
  • The well-known reasons are obvious. 2. generally or widely known: a well-known painting. Origin of well-known. Expand. late Middle English. 1425-1475.
  • Jul 1, 2010 ... In both, Oxford ALD and Cambridge ALD I find the adjective "well known". In some phrases it is written as well-known and in others as "well ...
  • well-known. star. see definition of well-known. Font size. X. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. show. all, adjective. adj familiar, famous. prev next. acclaimed ...

Alternatives:

  • famous
  • renowned
  • celebrated
  • recognized

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