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.
Choose between these
7- 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
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
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
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
when a celebrated record deserves ceremonial grandeur
not when Illustrious is ornate and excessive for most current professionals.
Said against
4- obscure
- unknown
- undistinguished
- disreputable
It naturally appears in
3- 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.