eminency

American  

[em-uh-nuhn-see] / ˈɛm ə nən si /

noun

plural

eminencies

1. a less common variant of eminence.

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Usage

What does eminency mean? Eminency is a much less common variant of eminence—a position of superiority, high rank or status, or fame.Both words mean 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. Eminency is sometimes used this way as well. When it is, it’s usually capitalized and used with a pronoun, as in Your Eminency. Example: He has achieved eminency in his field of study and is one of the most highly regarded academics in the nation.