eminent

em·i·nent

adjective \ˈe-mə-nənt\

Definition of EMINENT

1

: standing out so as to be readily perceived or noted : conspicuous

2

: jutting out : projecting

3

: exhibiting eminence especially in standing above others in some quality or position : prominent

Examples of EMINENT

1. <many eminent surgeons are on the hospital's staff>
2. The trend discerned by Wilde a century ago, of course, has only accelerated in recent years, as the line between trashy celebrity exposés and serious biographies of eminent artists, statesmen and thinkers has grown increasingly blurred. —Michiko Kakutani, New York Times, 20 May 1994
3. Next year sees the 150th anniversary of the ‘invention’ of the dinosaurs by the eminent English anatomist and palaeontologist, Richard Owen. —Nicholas Fraser, Nature, 20 & 27 Dec. 1990

Origin of EMINENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin eminent-, eminens, present participle of eminēre to stand out, from e- + -minēre; akin to Latin mont-, mons mountain — more at mount

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to EMINENT

Synonyms

astral, bright, distinguished, illustrious, luminous, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious, redoubtable, signal, star, superior

Related Words

celebrated, exalted, famed, famous, glorious, honored, renowned, reputable; infamous, notorious; dominant, paramount, predominant

Near Antonyms

insignificant, minor, unimportant; average, inferior, mediocre; obscure, uncelebrated, unsung

See Synonym Discussion at famous

Rhymes with EMINENT

remanent