eminency

American  

[em-uh-nuhn-see] / ˈɛm ə nən si /

noun

eminencies plural

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.

Example Sentences

They further agree in assigning to the Parthians a respectable military character, yet one of no very special eminency.

From The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 6. (of 7): Parthia The History, Geography, And Antiquities Of Chaldaea, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Parthia, And Sassanian or New Persian Empire; With Maps and Illustrations. by Rawlinson, George

A man of little education; bred in camps; yet of a proud natural eminency, and rugged nobleness of genius and mind.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 12 by Carlyle, Thomas

But it is meant only that that glorious effect should be to them a sign of Christ's eminency above him; they should see from him a Baptism greater than that of John.

From The Literary Remains of Samuel Taylor Coleridge by Coleridge, Henry Nelson

Those of most eminency are Christina, Brandywine, Skilpot, and Sculkil, any one of which has room to lay up the royal navy of England, there being from four to eight fathom of water.

From Great Epochs in American History, Vol. II The Planting Of The First Colonies: 1562—1733 by Halsey, Francis W. (Francis Whiting)

Consider Hobbes: "The passion of laughter is nothing else but sudden glory arising from the sudden conception of eminency in ourselves by comparison with the inferiority of others, or with our own formerly."

From Toaster's Handbook Jokes, Stories, and Quotations by Fanning, C. E. (Clara Elizabeth)