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eminence Definition

emi·nence (em′i nəns)

noun

  1. a high or lofty place, thing, etc., as a hill
    1. superiority in rank, position, character, achievement, etc.; greatness; celebrity
    2. a person of eminence
  3. R.C.Ch. a title of honor used in speaking to or of a cardinal: preceded by Your or His
  4. Anat. a raised area, usually on the surface of a bone

Etymology: ME < OFr < L eminentia < eminens, excellent, prominent, prp. of eminere, to stand out < e-, out + *minere, to project, add, for minari: see menace

eminence Synonyms

eminence

n.

  1. Importance

    standing, prominence, distinction; see fame 1.

  2. An elevation

    projection, peak, highland; see height 1, hill.

eminence Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • have: The surface is in general level, but has several eminences, which are of considerable height.
eminence Quotes

The chief distinction in the intellectual powers of the two sexes is shewn by man's attaining to a higher eminence in whatever he takes up, than can womanöwhether requiring deep thought, reason, or imagination, or merely the use of the senses and hands.

—Darwin, Charles Robert

Idiots are always in favour of inequality of income (their only chance of eminence), and the really great in favour of equality.

—Shaw, George Bernard

Satan exalted sat, by merit raised To that bad eminence; and from despair Thus high uplifted beyond hope.

—Milton,John

Browse dictionary entries near eminence

  1. ‹ Emily
  2. ‹ Emilia-Romagna
  3. ‹ Émile
  4. ‹ Emil
  5. ‹ emigration
  6. ‹ emigrating
  7. ‹ emigrated
  8. ‹ emigrate
  9. ‹ emigrant
  10. ‹ émigré
  1. éminence grise ›
  2. eminencies ›
  3. eminency ›
  4. eminent ›
  5. eminent domain ›
  6. eminently ›
  7. emir ›
  8. emirate ›
  9. emissaries ›
  10. emissary ›