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 | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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| literary |
playful
a big name
Fits when fame matters in an informal conversation
Careful The phrase prizes recognition and can sound dismissive of actual expertise.
everyday
Fits when top standing in a field should be stated plainly
Careful Leading can be promotional and needs a clear basis for comparison.
professional
authoritative
Fits when trusted command of a subject is central
Careful Authority can attach to one work or voice without making its author eminent.
professional
Fits when notable achievement has earned special standing
Careful Distinguished can describe one career without the wider recognition of eminence.
professional
prominent
Fits when visibility or influence is the relevant fact
Careful Prominence can come from office, controversy, or wealth rather than merit.
formal
Fits when broad fame for a particular achievement is established
Careful Renown measures how widely someone is known, not how soundly they are respected.
literary
Fits when a celebrated record deserves ceremonial grandeur
Careful 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.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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