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

The case could hurt prosecutions in an epic bribery scandal implicating five former presidents and Keiko Fujimori, the eminence grise of Peruvian politics and a perennial presidential candidate who came within a hair of winning the job in 2021.

From Seattle Times

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

From Literature

Asked in a 2020 interview if he would ever make new work, he balked and then said exactly what you would want the éminence grise of the avant-garde to say: “We are living in decadent times, surrounded by nothing but trash.”

From New York Times

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

That he’s now the current longest-running network host is as funny as any joke Kimmel has ever delivered — we all woke up one day and Kimmel became the gray eminence, the old guard, that guy who hosts the Oscars.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• greatness
• prestige
• prominence
• renown