eminence

[ em-uh-nuhns ]

noun

1. high station, rank, or repute:

   philosophers of eminence.

   Synonyms: conspicuousness, fame, note

   Antonyms: obscurity

2. a high place or part; a hill or elevation; height.

   Synonyms: prominence

3. (initial capital letter) Roman Catholic Church. a title of honor, applied to cardinals (usually preceded by His or Your ).
4. Anatomy. an elevation or projection, especially on a bone.

Eminence

¹

/ ˈɛmɪnəns /

noun

1. preceded byYour or His a title used to address or refer to a cardinal

eminence

²

/ ˈɛmɪnəns /

noun

1. a position of superiority, distinction, high rank, or fame
2. a high or raised piece of ground
3. anatomy a projection of an organ or part

Word History and Origins

Origin of eminence¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French from Latin ēminentia, equivalent to ēmin- (base of ēminēre “to stand out”) + -entia noun sufffix; eminent, -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of eminence¹

C17: from French, from Latin ēminentia a standing out; see eminent

Example Sentences

At night, from its eminence, his star shone down on him with proud approval.

From Literature

At first just a gray eminence working behind the scenes while Clarence pounded the pavement, he gradually grew in prominence, reaching a fun spy-movie throwback sweet spot last episode.

From New York Times

In that historical context, Ms Murty's critics say that someone of her stature and eminence should be more aware of what she says in public.

From BBC

Even for orchestras of Cleveland’s eminence and civic stature, people simply weren’t showing up.

From New York Times

He is 71, a coaching eminence with titles at the collegiate and pro level, yet Carroll still approaches each new season with the youthful vigor and unbridled optimism that has animated his half-century career.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• greatness
• prestige
• prominence
• renown

More About Eminence

What does eminence mean?

Eminence is a position of superiority, high rank or status, or fame.

In other words, eminence is the state of being eminent—high in station, rank, or reputation. Someone who is eminent is prominent or distinguished in some way, especially within a particular field. The word is often associated with scholars.

Eminence is similar to prominence but is perhaps even more positive. Someone who is prominent is well-known and often important. Someone who is considered eminent is often both well-known and well-respected. Still, the words are often used in overlapping ways.

Eminence is used in a more specific way as a title or a way of addressing a high-ranking official within a hierarchy. In the Catholic Church, it’s used to address a cardinal. When used this way, it is usually capitalized and used with a pronoun, as in Your Eminence. 

A less common variant of eminence is eminency.

Example: He has achieved eminence in his field of study and is one of the most highly regarded academics in the nation.

Where does eminence come from?

The first records of the word eminence come from around 1400. It comes from the Latin ēminentia, from the verb ēminēre, meaning “to stand out.” The suffix -ence is used in nouns to indicate a state or condition and corresponds to the suffix -ent in adjectives (such as eminent).

People who have achieved eminence stand out in their field. There are also a few less common meanings of eminence that involve standing out in more literal ways. Eminence can refer to a place of high elevation, such as a hill. In anatomy, an eminence is a projection of a body part, especially a bone—often meaning a part where it sticks out or stands out.

Eminence should not be confused with imminence, which is the state of being imminent—likely to occur at any time.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to eminence?

• eminency (less common variant)
• eminent (adjective)

What are some synonyms for eminence?

• eminency
• prominence
• prestige
• fame

What are some words that share a root or word element with eminence? 

• eminently
• éminence grise

What are some words that often get used in discussing eminence?

• field
• profession
• high
• rank
• status
• respect
• scholar
• cardinal
• your
• his
• her
• grise

What are some words eminence may be commonly confused with?

• imminence

How is eminence used in real life?

Eminence is typically used in positive contexts involving someone who has earned a high status, rank, or level of respect.

🎉 HUGE congratulations 👏 to Professor @jonathanjevans, who tonight received the @BPSOfficial's prestigious M.B. Shapiro Award, which is bestowed on a clinical psychologist who has achieved eminence in their profession. So very well deserved. Well done, professor! #TeamUofG 💘 pic.twitter.com/zErzcgl75u

— UofG MVLS (@UofGMVLS) January 22, 2020

"A novel that appeals equally to the intellect and the emotions, “To Die but Once” advances Maisie’s engaging story and reaffirms Winspear’s eminence in her field." @RTDNEWS on the new #MaisieDobbs historical mystery by Jacqueline Winspear – out now! https://t.co/cD7iqVQZrX

— Harper Books (@harperbooks) April 9, 2018

I am not sure if His Eminence Cardinal Sarah will ever be Pope. I would like for him to be so, but I can't be sure.

What I am sure of, though, is that some day Cardinal Sarah will be a saint.

— C.A. Shoultz (@HarrierMagnus) October 16, 2020

 

 

Try using eminence!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of eminence?

A. prominence
B. prestige
C. obscurity
D. fame