Famous people
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Famous people
"Famous people" is a frequently discussed topic in IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Part 3, as well as in Writing Task 2. You might be asked to describe a celebrity, discuss the influence of public figures, or analyse the effects of fame on society. The following vocabulary list is designed to help you express your thoughts clearly, naturally, and at a high level of language proficiency.
Here are 20 vocabulary items related to famous people, along with example sentences to show how they can be used effectively in your speaking or writing.
1. Public figure: [Meaning: A person who is widely known and often discussed by the public]
Example 1: Celebrities, politicians, and athletes are all considered public figures.
Example 2: As a public figure, she is expected to maintain a positive image in the media.
2. Celebrity status: [Meaning: The condition of being well-known and celebrated by the public]
Example 1: She achieved celebrity status after her breakout role in a popular television series.
Example 2: His sudden celebrity status changed his life completely.
3. Role model: [Meaning: A person admired and emulated for their positive behaviour or success]
Example 1: Many teenagers see famous athletes as role models.
Example 2: A role model can positively influence young people’s values and aspirations.
4. Media attention: [Meaning: The focus or coverage a person receives in newspapers, TV, or online]
Example 1: Famous people often struggle with intense media attention.
Example 2: The scandal brought him unwanted media attention.
5. Star-studded: [Meaning: Featuring many famous people, especially in entertainment]
Example 1: The star-studded awards ceremony was broadcast internationally.
Example 2: A star-studded cast helped the film achieve massive box office success.
6. Fame-hungry: [Meaning: Eager or desperate to become famous]
Example 1: Reality TV often attracts fame-hungry individuals seeking instant popularity.
Example 2: Critics argue that fame-hungry behaviour undermines authentic talent.
7. Paparazzi: [Meaning: Photographers who follow famous people to take candid or intrusive photos]
Example 1: The actress filed a lawsuit against the paparazzi for invading her privacy.
Example 2: Constant harassment by paparazzi has led many celebrities to seek legal protection.
8. Cult of celebrity: [Meaning: A societal obsession with famous people]
Example 1: The cult of celebrity can lead to unrealistic expectations and idolisation.
Example 2: In my IELTS essay, I argued that the cult of celebrity reflects a shallow societal focus.
9. Charismatic persona: [Meaning: An appealing and magnetic public identity]
Example 1: His charismatic persona helped him win the hearts of millions.
Example 2: Leaders with a charismatic persona often gain a loyal following.
10. Reputation management: [Meaning: Strategies to maintain or improve public image]
Example 1: Reputation management is critical for famous individuals facing online scrutiny.
Example 2: Publicists specialise in reputation management for high-profile clients.
11. Celebrity endorsement: [Meaning: Promotion of a product by a well-known person]
Example 1: Brands often use celebrity endorsements to increase credibility.
Example 2: The perfume’s success was largely due to a clever celebrity endorsement campaign.
12. Social capital: [Meaning: The influence and recognition a person has within a social network]
Example 1: Celebrities often convert their social capital into business ventures.
Example 2: Her activism earned her social capital beyond the entertainment industry.
13. Hyper-visibility: [Meaning: Extreme public exposure that magnifies every detail of a person’s life]
Example 1: Living under hyper-visibility can lead to anxiety and burnout.
Example 2: The rise of social media has increased the hyper-visibility of public figures.
14. Iconography: [Meaning: Visual images or symbols that represent a famous person’s legacy]
Example 1: The iconography of Marilyn Monroe continues to inspire pop culture.
Example 2: A celebrity’s iconography can shape their myth long after their death.
15. Persona construction: [Meaning: The deliberate crafting of a public image]
Example 1: Celebrities often engage in persona construction to appear more relatable.
Example 2: The artist’s shy public persona was a result of strategic persona construction.
16. Public scrutiny: [Meaning: Close observation or critical attention by the public]
Example 1: Politicians and celebrities are constantly under public scrutiny.
Example 2: Public scrutiny can damage reputations if not managed carefully.
17. Celebrity philanthropy: [Meaning: Charitable activities undertaken by famous people]
Example 1: Celebrity philanthropy brings attention to important causes.
Example 2: The singer’s celebrity philanthropy included funding education in rural communities.
18. Fame fatigue: [Meaning: A sense of exhaustion or disinterest from being constantly in the public eye]
Example 1: The actor took a break due to fame fatigue and media burnout.
Example 2: Fame fatigue is a growing concern for social media influencers.
19. Cultural icon: [Meaning: A person who represents key values or symbols of a culture]
Example 1: Nelson Mandela is a cultural icon known for peace and justice.
Example 2: Being a cultural icon means carrying enormous responsibility.
20. Parasocial relationship: [Meaning: A one-sided relationship where a person feels connected to a public figure]
Example 1: Social media fosters parasocial relationships that blur the line between admiration and obsession.
Example 2: In my IELTS essay, I analysed how parasocial relationships affect self-perception and identity.
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