Infâme vs. notoire

The French words 'infâme' and 'notoire' both relate to negative reputations but convey different nuances. Understanding the distinctions between these words is crucial for their appropriate and precise use in the French language.

Infâme

'Infâme' refers to someone or something with an extremely bad reputation, often associated with disgraceful or immoral behavior.
Cet homme est infâme pour ses crimes.
(That man is infamous for his crimes.)
La légende raconte l'histoire d'un pirate infâme.
(The legend tells the story of an infamous pirate.)
Il a gagné une réputation infâme après le scandale.
(He gained an infamous reputation after the scandal.)

Notoire

'Notoire' indicates that something is well-known or famous, typically for a negative reason, but it does not necessarily contain the element of immorality inferred by 'infâme'.
C'est un menteur notoire.
(He is a notorious liar.)
Le restaurant a fermé à cause de son hygiène notoire.
(The restaurant closed due to its notorious hygiene.)
Ses retards sont notoires au bureau.
(His tardiness is notorious at the office.)

Summary

'Infâme' and 'notoire' both describe a state of being known, typically for negative reasons. However, 'infâme' carries a heavier connotation of being associated with immoral or deeply dishonorable behavior, while 'notoire', while also used in contexts of negative notoriety, can refer to aspects of notoriety without necessarily an immoral undertone. It's important to choose the word that best reflects the context in which you want to describe the negative reputation of someone or something.