eminence

Sometimes em·i·nen·cy

[em-uh-nuhns]

noun

1. high station, rank, or repute.

   philosophers of eminence.

   Synonyms: fame, note, conspicuousness
   Antonyms: obscurity

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

   Synonyms: prominence

3. (initial capital letter),  a title of honor, applied to cardinals (usually preceded by His orYour ).

4. Anatomy.,  an elevation or projection, especially on a bone.

eminence

¹

/ 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

Eminence

²

/ ˈɛmɪnəns /

noun

1. a title used to address or refer to a cardinal

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

From the journals Metcalfe has surmised that Vivien, herself a brilliant literary scholar and teacher, had willfully lived out her marriage under Blundy’s shadow, the dutiful handmaiden to a literary eminence.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We now live in an era that can be safely summarized as the end of science's peacetime, and perhaps the end of the general eminence of once mighty institutions of higher learning.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• greatness 
• prestige 
• prominence 
• renown 

When To Use

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.