Eminent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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eminent

[ˈɛmɪnənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in society

famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession

Synonyms

distinguished, notable, prestigious, prominent, renowned.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
eminent	Used to describe someone who is famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession. She is an eminent professor of philosophy. The eminent scientist received multiple awards for his research.
distinguished	Used for someone who is very successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect. The distinguished author was invited to speak at the conference. He led a distinguished career in the military.
prominent	Used for something or someone that is important and well-known, often prominently noticeable. She played a prominent role in the campaign. He is a prominent figure in the legal community.
renowned	Used to describe someone known or talked about by many people due to their significant accomplishments. He is a renowned artist. The renowned chef opened a new restaurant.
notable	Used for something or someone worthy of attention or noteworthy. She made a notable contribution to the research. There were several notable speakers at the event.
prestigious	Used for something or someone having a high status or reputedly prestigious institutions or awards. He graduated from a prestigious university. Winning that award was a prestigious achievement.

Examples of usage

He was an eminent scientist in the field of physics.
The conference was attended by eminent scholars from around the world.
The eminent architect designed the iconic building in the city.
Her eminent position in the government allowed her to influence policy decisions.
His eminent contributions to literature earned him numerous awards.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a negative context

used to emphasize the presence of a negative quality

Synonyms

glaring, imminent, impending, obvious, prominent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
eminent	Use this word when you want to describe someone who is well-known and respected, particularly in a specific profession or field. The eminent scientist received an award for her groundbreaking research He was an eminent historian whose works shaped our understanding of ancient civilizations
glaring	Use this word to describe something that is very obvious, often in a negative way. It can also refer to something very bright or harsh in appearance. The report contained a glaring error that undermined its credibility The sun was glaring in the hot desert sky
obvious	Use this word when you want to describe something that is easily recognized or understood by everyone. It was obvious that he was not telling the truth The solution to the problem was obvious once we had all the facts
prominent	This word is used to describe something or someone that is very noticeable, important, or well-known in a particular context. She has a prominent role in the success of the project The CEO is a prominent figure in the tech industry
imminent	This word is best used when describing something that is about to happen very soon, often carrying a sense of urgency or danger. The storm's arrival is imminent; we must take shelter now She warned us that a drastic change was imminent
impending	This word is similar to 'imminent' but often carries a slightly less urgent tone. It's used for events that are about to happen, particularly those that are unavoidable or threatening. The impending deadline is causing a lot of stress in the office There was a sense of impending doom as the hurricane approached

Examples of usage

She showed an eminent lack of respect for authority.
The project failed due to an eminent lack of funding.
His actions displayed an eminent disregard for the rules.
There was an eminent danger of the situation escalating into violence.
The company faced an eminent threat of bankruptcy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Several notable figures, including Albert Einstein and Maya Angelou, have been described as eminent in their respective fields of science and literature.
In the music industry, eminent composers like Mozart and Beethoven shaped classical music and are still celebrated today.
The term is often used in award ceremonies to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to their professions.

Science

Eminent scientists like Marie Curie and Isaac Newton have left a lasting impact on physics and chemistry.
The World Health Organization recognizes eminent doctors and researchers who advance global health initiatives.
Emerging research often highlights eminent figures in a field to inspire future generations of scientists and educators.

Literature

Eminent authors such as Ernest Hemingway and J.K. Rowling are studied for their unique styles and impact on literature.
The Nobel Prize for Literature is awarded to eminent writers who have profoundly influenced cultural understanding through their works.
Critical essays often discuss the contributions of eminent literary figures and the themes they explore in their writing.

Origin of 'eminent'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'eminens,' which means 'standing out' or 'prominent.'
In the 14th century, 'eminent' was used in English to describe individuals of high rank or notable position.
It shares roots with the word 'eminence,' which refers to a high position or status.

The word 'eminent' originates from the Latin word 'eminere', which means to stand out or project. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Initially, it was used to describe someone prominent or standing out in a particular field. Over time, its usage expanded to connote qualities of respect and recognition. Today, 'eminent' is commonly used to signify someone who is distinguished or noteworthy in their field.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,885, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4882 linguistic
4883 suppressed
4884 prevailed
4885 eminent
4886 observer
4887 rid
4888 coloured
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