eminence

Sometimes em·i·nen·cy

[em-uh-nuhns]

noun

1. high station, rank, or repute.

   philosophers of eminence.

   Synonyms: fame, note, conspicuousness
   Antonyms: obscurity

2. a high place or part; a hill or elevation; height.

   Synonyms: prominence

3. (initial capital letter),  a title of honor, applied to cardinals (usually preceded by His orYour ).

4. Anatomy.,  an elevation or projection, especially on a bone.

eminence

¹

/ ˈɛmɪnəns /

noun

1. a position of superiority, distinction, high rank, or fame

2. a high or raised piece of ground

3. anatomy a projection of an organ or part

Eminence

²

/ ˈɛmɪnəns /

noun

1. a title used to address or refer to a cardinal

Word History and Origins

Origin of eminence¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French from Latin ēminentia, equivalent to ēmin- (base of ēminēre “to stand out”) + -entia noun sufffix; eminent, -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of eminence¹

C17: from French, from Latin ēminentia a standing out; see _eminent

Example Sentences

Relied on by oil company CEOs and government policymakers alike, the EIA’s data has been called the “gold standard” by Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of S&P Global and an éminence grise in the world of oil.

From Salon

We now live in an era that can be safely summarized as the end of science's peacetime, and perhaps the end of the general eminence of once mighty institutions of higher learning.

From Salon

Winning the FA Cup would not disguise the scale of the renewal Guardiola must oversee to restore City to their former eminence, but the great old prize will certainly be something to be going on with.

From BBC

"We unanimously agreed that Maurice and Maralyn is a non-fiction work that reaches the highest literary eminence," Bryson added.

From BBC

Alexander Hamilton, by then a New York lawyer who still played the president’s éminence grise, wanted Washington to exit as he entered: a unifying figure optimistic about the “infant nation.”

From Slate

Related Words

• greatness 
• prestige 
• prominence 
• renown 

When To Use

What does eminence mean?

Eminence is a position of superiority, high rank or status, or fame.In other words, eminence is the state of being eminent—high in station, rank, or reputation. Someone who is eminent is prominent or distinguished in some way, especially within a particular field. The word is often associated with scholars.Eminence is similar to prominence but is perhaps even more positive. Someone who is prominent is well-known and often important. Someone who is considered eminent is often both well-known and well-respected. Still, the words are often used in overlapping ways.Eminence is used in a more specific way as a title or a way of addressing a high-ranking official within a hierarchy. In the Catholic Church, it’s used to address a cardinal. When used this way, it is usually capitalized and used with a pronoun, as in Your Eminence. A less common variant of eminence is eminency.Example: He has achieved eminence in his field of study and is one of the most highly regarded academics in the nation.