eminent

[ em-uh-nuhnt ]

adjective

1. high in station, rank, or repute; prominent; distinguished:

   eminent statesmen.

   Synonyms: illustrious, renowned, celebrated, noted

   Antonyms: obscure, unknown

2. conspicuous, signal, or noteworthy:

   eminent fairness.

   Synonyms: outstanding, remarkable, noteworthy, notable

3. lofty; high:

   eminent peaks.

4. prominent; projecting; protruding:

   an eminent nose.

eminent

/ ˈɛmɪnənt /

adjective

1. above others in rank, merit, or reputation; distinguished

   an eminent scientist

2. prenominal noteworthy, conspicuous, or outstanding

   eminent good sense

3. projecting or protruding; prominent

Derived Forms

• ˈeminently, adverb

Other Words From

• emi·nent·ly adverb
• non·emi·nent adjective
• quasi-emi·nent adjective
• quasi-emi·nent·ly adverb
• un·emi·nent adjective
• un·emi·nent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of eminent¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ēminent-, stem of ēminēns “outstanding, projecting,” present participle of ēminēre “to stand out, project,” from ē- e- ¹ + min- “to put forward, stick out” + ēre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of eminent¹

C15: from Latin ēminēre to project, stand out, from minēre to stand

Synonym Study

See famous.

Example Sentences

Did those warnings from authoritative sources — eminent figures Trump once appointed to high-ranking jobs — have any effect on his voters as election day approaches?

From Los Angeles Times

She called for the city to explore the use of eminent domain: having government acquire land or buildings, even if the property owner doesn’t want to sell.

From Los Angeles Times

Just before the indictments were announced, Adams held a press event surrounded by supportive members of the clergy, including the Rev. Herbert Daughtry, an eminent pastor in Brooklyn's Black community.

From Salon

With an eye toward redeveloping the area for a new housing project, the city began pursuing residents’ properties in the early 1950s through eminent domain and below-market offers.

From Los Angeles Times

Sir Keir added that the review by an eminent surgeon, Lord Darzi, is expected to reveal too many children "are being let down" by the health service.

From BBC

Related Words

• big-name
• distinguished
• esteemed
• famed
• high-ranking
• illustrious
• noted
• outstanding
• preeminent
• prominent
• renowned
• well-known

More About Eminent

What does eminent mean?

Eminent means high in station, rank, or reputation.

Its noun form, eminence, refers to a position of superiority, high rank or status, or fame.

Someone who is eminent is prominent or distinguished in some way, especially within a particular field. The word is often associated with scholars.

Eminent is similar to prominent 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.

The word preeminent means extremely eminent—eminent or outstanding above all others.

The adverb eminently usually just means highly or very. It’s typically used to modify (describe) adjectives, as in She is eminently qualified. 

Example: He has achieved prominence in his field of study and is one of the most eminent scholars in the nation.

Where does eminent come from?

The first records of the word eminent come from around 1400. It comes from the Latin 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 are eminent stand out in their field, usually due to having accomplished many things and having earned the respect of their colleagues or the public.

Eminent should not be confused with imminent, which means likely to occur at any time.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to eminent?

• eminence (noun)

What are some synonyms for eminent?

• prominent
• esteemed
• prestigious
• famed

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

• preeminent
• eminently
• éminence grise

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

• scholar
• researcher
• professor
• academic
• politician
• leader
• field
• profession
• high
• rank
• status
• respect

What are some words eminent may be commonly confused with?

• imminent

How is eminent used in real life?

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

Did you know the ERC has its own Scientific Council to define its strategy and how the ERC awards its grants? This week saw the Scientific Council's first meeting under the helm of new ERC President Mauro Ferrari. Learn all about these eminent researchers➡️https://t.co/W1kd1I57xQ pic.twitter.com/5BV9HRuPh2

— European Research Council (ERC) (@ERC_Research) February 26, 2020

Next month—eminent China scholar David Shambaugh presents his newest book, which explores U.S.-China competition in Southeast Asia, with @AsiaSociety's @orvilleschell. https://t.co/MswlJPZcdi

— Asia Society (@AsiaSociety) November 6, 2020

Eminent mathematician Professor CS Seshadri, known for his contributions in algebraic geometry and mathematical education, died on Friday. He was 88.https://t.co/aBU7Y8oT0x

— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) July 19, 2020

 

Try using eminent!

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

A. prominent
B. esteemed
C. obscure
D. famed