Eminent

adj.capable, thoughtfulformal

What it means

Widely respected as one of the leading people in a field.

Reach for it when recognizing established professional stature rather than popularity alone

An eminent historian opened the lecture series with questions from local students.

playful
a big name
when fame matters in an informal conversation
not when The phrase prizes recognition and can sound dismissive of actual expertise.
everyday
leading
when top standing in a field should be stated plainly
not when Leading can be promotional and needs a clear basis for comparison.
professional
authoritative
when trusted command of a subject is central
not when Authority can attach to one work or voice without making its author eminent.
professional
distinguished
when notable achievement has earned special standing
not when Distinguished can describe one career without the wider recognition of eminence.
professional
prominent
when visibility or influence is the relevant fact
not when Prominence can come from office, controversy, or wealth rather than merit.
formal
renowned
when broad fame for a particular achievement is established
not when Renown measures how widely someone is known, not how soundly they are respected.
literary
illustrious
when a celebrated record deserves ceremonial grandeur
not when Illustrious is ornate and excessive for most current professionals.

eminent scholar
The eminent scholar spent the afternoon helping students verify citations.
eminent expert
An eminent expert reviewed the bridge design without waiving the field test.
eminent figure
The museum presents the eminent figure alongside the colleagues who enabled her work.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.