A Word A Day : Eminence



Monday, 17th March 2008 : Today's Word is ...

Eminence




( Noun )



Pronunciation : émmi-nen-ss


Definition



1. A position of great distinction or superiority

2. A projection or protuberance from the surface of a body part, especially a bone

3. A rise of ground

4. A person of high station or great achievements


Etymology:


Origin: 1375–1425 - late ME - L éminentia, equiv. to émin - base of éminére to stand out


Synonyms:


authority, celebrity, credit, dignity, distinction, esteem, fame, famousness, glory, greatness, honor, illustriousness, influence, kudos, loftiness, notability, note, power, preeminence, prepotency, prestige, prominency, rank, renown, reputation, repute, significance, standing, superiority, weight, altitude, elevation, height, highland, highness, hill, hillock, knoll, loftiness, peak, project, prominence, promontory, raise, rise, summit, upland

NOTE:

Advantage is a relatively favorable position or superiority of means.

Vantage is a position, condition or opportunity that is likely to provide superiority or an advantage.


Antonyms:


inferiority, insignificance, obscurity, unimportance, flat, low ground, cavity, depression, dip


Contextual Examples:


• India has produced many philosophers of eminence.

• His eminence appears to enjoy good health, monseigneur.

• The ranges of mountain peaks which Captain Bonneville speaks of, as rising from its bosom, are probably the summits of mountains beyond it, which may be visible at a vast distance, when viewed from an eminence, in the transparent atmosphere of these lofty regions.


Related Words:


Eminency : Noun

Eminencies : Noun - Plural

Eminent : Adjective

Don't confuse this word with imminence.


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