The title vir illustris (lit. 'illustrious man') is used as a formal indication of standing in late antiquity to describe the highest ranks within the senates of Rome and Constantinople. All senators had the title vir clarissimus (lit. 'very famous man'); but from the mid fourth century onwards, vir illustris and vir spectabilis (lit. 'admirable man', a lower rank than illustris) were used to distinguish holders of high office.