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REFERENCE

eminent

adj.
US //ˈɛmənənt// UK //ˈɛmɪnənt// em·i·nent
  1. 1 distinguished and respected (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    famous, respected, and important, especially in a professional or academic field.

    distinguished, prominent, or noteworthy; typically used to describe individuals with a high reputation in a specific domain.

    Example

    The university invited an eminent scientist to speak at the graduation ceremony.

    Example

    The conference featured several eminent historians who debated the long-term socio-economic impacts of the industrial revolution.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies, though it can follow a linking verb.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners frequently confuse this with 'imminent'. Remind them that 'eminent' relates to 'fame' while 'imminent' relates to 'time'.
    Pitfall
    The danger of a storm is eminent.
    The danger of a storm is imminent.

    Do not confuse 'eminent' (famous/respected) with 'imminent' (about to happen soon).

  2. 2 remarkable or great (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary

    used to describe a quality that is very clear or strong.

    noteworthy or remarkable in degree; used to emphasize a particular positive quality.

    Example

    The judge was a man of eminent good sense and fairness.

    Example

    The author writes with eminent clarity, making even the most complex philosophical arguments accessible to a general audience.
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  1. 3 high or lofty (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    standing out above other things; high up.

    physically high, lofty, or protruding. This sense is largely restricted to older texts or specific technical descriptions of terrain.

    Example

    The castle was built on an eminent hill overlooking the entire valley.

    Example

    From their eminent position atop the ridge, the scouts could track the movement of the caravan across the plains below.
Origin

From Middle French éminent, from Latin present participle ēminēns, ēminentis, from verb ēmineō (“to project, protrude”), from ex- (“out of, from”) + mineō, related to mons (English mount). Compare with imminent. Unrelated to emanate, which is instead from mānō (“to flow”).

Word family

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