Eminence

ˈɛmɪnəns

nounmedium📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

1

The state of being famous, respected, or important; a position of superiority.

ˈɛmɪnəns

nounpositivemedium
General

High rank or distinction; superiority.

The scientist's eminence in the field of astrophysics was undeniable.

💡 Simply: Imagine someone's really good at something – like a famous chef or a top scientist. Their eminence is how everyone knows they're the best and admires them. For example, the pianist's eminence was clear at every concert.

👶 For kids: Being famous and important, like a superhero or a really good player on a team.

More Examples

2

She was awarded a prize that recognized her eminence as a poet.

3

The building's architectural design gave it an eminence among the city's other structures.

How It's Used

General

"The artist achieved eminence through her innovative techniques."

Religious

"His Eminence, the Cardinal, presided over the ceremony."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

His Eminence

A formal title of respect, used primarily for high-ranking members of the Catholic Church, such as cardinals.

"His Eminence the Cardinal will be visiting our town next week."

From Latin eminentia, meaning 'prominence' or 'standing out'. It derives from the verb eminēre, 'to stand out'.

The word has been used since the 15th century, initially in the context of elevated status or position.

Memory tip

Think of someone who 'emits' a strong presence.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to stand out, project, be prominent"

literary eminenceachieve eminencepolitical eminenceartistic eminenceintellectual eminencereach eminence

Common misspellings

eminanceemminence

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written