Prominent
ˈprɒmɪnənt
Definitions
3 meaningsStanding out so as to be easily seen; important, famous, or well-known.
ˈprɒmɪnənt
Standing out; easily noticeable
The statue occupies a prominent position in the town square.
💡 Simply: Imagine something that's super obvious and you can't miss it. Like a tall person in a crowd, a big sign, or maybe a famous actor in a movie. That's prominent!
👶 For kids: Something that sticks out and is easy to see, like a big red balloon or a star in the sky.
More Examples
She played a prominent role in the negotiations.
The company is a prominent player in the technology industry.
How It's Used
"The Eiffel Tower is a prominent feature of the Paris skyline."
"The architect designed the building with a prominent facade."
Important and well-known; frequently noticed or attracting attention.
ˈprɒmɪnənt
Important; well-known or respected
He is a prominent member of the community.
💡 Simply: Someone who's famous and important, like a star athlete, a respected scientist, or a leader in their community. They're known for their accomplishments.
👶 For kids: Someone important and well-known, like the captain of the soccer team or the class president.
More Examples
She is a prominent advocate for education.
The university has a prominent reputation.
How It's Used
"He was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement."
"The company has several prominent clients."
Standing out from something; projecting from a surface.
ˈprɒmɪnənt
Protruding or projecting
His cheekbones were quite prominent.
💡 Simply: Something that sticks out, like your nose or a bump on a road. It's easy to see because it's not flat.
👶 For kids: Something that sticks out, like your nose or a pointy building.
More Examples
The mountains are a prominent feature of the landscape.
The building's gables are very prominent.
How It's Used
"He had a prominent chin."
"The building had a prominent clock tower."
Synonyms
Conspicuous
Famous
Important
Leading
Noticeable
Outstanding
Celebrated
Distinguished
Esteemed
Influential
Bulging
Projecting
From Latin *prōminēre* (“to jut out, project”), related to *prō-* (“forth, forward”) and *minēre* (“to project, threaten”).
The word 'prominent' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to something jutting out. Its meaning expanded to include importance and notability over time.
Memory tip
Think of a mountain that's PROMINENT and sticks out from everything else.