Eminent in English
- eminent⇄eminent, adjective.
1. above all or most others; outstanding; famous; distinguished; exalted.
Ex. Washington was eminent both as general and as President. Censure is the tax a man pays to the public for being eminent (Jonathan Swift).
2
Eminent
Part of Speech
Adjective
Pronunciation
/ˈɛmɪnənt/
Definitions
1. Famous, respected, or important within a particular field or profession.
2. Standing out, projecting a sense of superiority or importance.
Usage Examples
1. The eminent scientist received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking work.
2. His eminent position in society allowed him to influence key decisions.
Etymology
The word "eminent" comes from the Latin "eminere," meaning "to stand out" or "to project." The term has been in use since the 14th century and was initially used to describe individuals who stood out due to their rank or importance.
Synonyms
- Distinguished
- Prominent
- Notable
- Famous
- Respected
- Celebrated
Antonyms
- Obscure
- Insignificant
- Unremarkable
- Unknown
- Common
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | eminente | /emiˈnente/ |
| French | éminent | /eminɑ̃/ |
| German | eminent | /ˈɛmɪnɛnt/ |
| Italian | eminente | /emiˈnɛnte/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 杰出 | /jiéchū/ |
| Arabic | بارز | /bārez/ |
| Russian | выдающийся | /vɨdɐˈjuɕːɪjə/ |
| Japanese | 卓越した | /takuetsu-shita/ |
| Korean | 저명한 | /jeomyeonghan/ |
| Portuguese | eminente | /emiˈnɛ̃tʃi/ |
| Hindi | प्रसिद्ध | /prasiddha/ |
| Bengali | বিশিষ্ট | /biśiṣṭo/ |
| Telugu | ప్రసిద్ధ | /prasiddha/ |
| Marathi | प्रसिद्ध | /prasiddha/ |
| Tamil | பிரபலமான | /pirapālamāṉa/ |
| Gujarati | પ્રસિદ્ધ | /prasiddha/ |
| Punjabi | ਪ੍ਰਸਿੱਧ | /prasiddha/ |
| Malayalam | പ്രസിദ്ധ | /prasiddha/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In British English, the pronunciation may have a more distinct emphasis on the first syllable: /ˈɛmɪnənt/.
- In American English, the pronunciation may be slightly quicker and more fluid, with a more relaxed second syllable.
Historical Usage
The term "eminent" has been used since the Middle Ages to describe individuals who had a superior position in society, often those who held positions of power or distinction. Originally, it was used primarily in ecclesiastical contexts to describe high-ranking clergy. Over time, its use has expanded to include individuals in all areas of society who are widely respected for their achievements or status.
Cultural Nuances
In various cultures, the term "eminent" holds different connotations. In Western societies, it often denotes those who have attained significant public recognition for their contributions to fields such as politics, science, or the arts. In many Eastern cultures, "eminent" can refer to individuals who hold an esteemed position within family or community hierarchies, with less emphasis on public recognition.
More Information
The concept of "eminent" is closely linked to the idea of respect and admiration. An eminent person is not simply known but is regarded as having made valuable contributions to society. The term often carries with it an aura of authority and excellence, regardless of whether the individual seeks attention. Eminence is thus not always about fame, but about the intrinsic recognition of value and expertise in a specific domain.