Why is 'infamous' NOT the opposite of 'famous'?

Question

Why is 'infamous' NOT the opposite of 'famous'?

Answer 1

what part of the word "infamous" would make you think that it was the opposite?  

Answer 2

Because inflammable is not the opposite of flammable.

Answer 3

Because famous means to be well known in a positive manner - to have succeeded in things or areas or personal deeds that others would like to do .... infamous means to be famous for all the wrong reasons .... like Bonny & Clyde, or Billy the Kid, or OJ Simpson .....

Answer 4

lol at the first answerer..

famous and infamous aren't exactly opposites either. Both indicate the individual, or whatever, is very well known. the opposite of famous is actually unknown

Answer 5

It is in  a twisted sort of way.  Fame implies good.  Infamy implies evil,

Answer 6

I'm pretty sure you're thinking unfamous which isn't a word.