eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈe-mə-nən(t)s 

1

: a position of prominence or superiority

2

: one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty: such as

a

: a person of high rank or attainments

—often used as a title for a cardinal

b

: a natural elevation

c

: an anatomical protuberance (as on a bone)

Synonyms

• distinction
• dominance
• noteworthiness
• paramountcy
• preeminence
• preponderance
• preponderancy
• prepotency
• prestigiousness
• primacy
• superiority
• supremacy
• transcendence

Examples of eminence in a Sentence

the eminence of the Nobel Prize in the field of awards and prizes

the old citadel sits on an eminence with a commanding view of the city

Recent Examples on the Web

Executive thought leadership creates lasting eminence through prestigious media coverage for both the C-suite, who also function as Chief Reputation Officers, and the company as a whole. —Rachel Kule, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Despite its eminence among winter sports lovers, Aspen is ultimately a small town that's far from any major city, because of which the couple ran into trouble trying to rent certain materials for their wedding. —Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "exalted position, protuberance," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin eminentia "state of standing out or projecting, protuberance," noun derivative of ēminent-, ēminens "standing out above a surface, projecting, outstanding in merit or importance" — more at eminent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing eminence

• gray eminence

Kids Definition

eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈem-ə-nən(t)s 

1

: the condition of being eminent

2

a

: a person of high rank or achievements

—often used as a title for a cardinal

b

: an area of high ground : height

Medical Definition

eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈem-ə-nən(t)s 

: a protuberance or projection on a bodily part and especially a bone