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eminent

[ em-uh-nuhnt ]
/ ˈɛm ə nənt /
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See synonyms for: eminent / eminently on Thesaurus.com

adjective
high in station, rank, or repute; prominent; distinguished: eminent statesmen.
conspicuous, signal, or noteworthy: eminent fairness.
lofty; high: eminent peaks.
prominent; projecting; protruding: an eminent nose.
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Origin of eminent

1375–1425; late Middle English (<Anglo-French ) <Latin ēminent- (stem of ēminēns) outstanding (present participle of ēminēre to stick out, project), equivalent to ē-e-1 + min- (see imminent) + -ent--ent

synonym study for eminent

1. See famous.

OTHER WORDS FROM eminent

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH eminent

eminent , immanent, imminent
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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 eminenteminent 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.

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What are some other forms related to eminent?

What are some synonyms for eminent?

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

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

What are some words eminent may be commonly confused with?

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.

 

Try using eminent!

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

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

How to use eminent in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for eminent

eminent
/ (ˈɛmɪnənt) /

adjective
above others in rank, merit, or reputation; distinguishedan eminent scientist
(prenominal) noteworthy, conspicuous, or outstandingeminent good sense
projecting or protruding; prominent

Derived forms of eminent

eminently, adverb

Word Origin for eminent

C15: from Latin ēminēre to project, stand out, from minēre to stand
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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