eminence
high status, fame, or importance
The state of being very important and well known, especially in one area of work or study.
to achieve/gain/attain eminence in [a field]
- She achieved international eminence in the field of cancer research.
- The prize is awarded only to writers of the highest eminence.
- His political eminence grew rapidly after the televised debates.
- Few artists have risen to such eminence during their lifetimes.
- Academic eminence does not always guarantee good teaching skills.
- She gained eminence as a doctor.
- The school is known for its scientific eminence.
- After many years of hard work, he rose to eminence in his company.
- Her eminence in music came after a famous concert.
a very important, respected person
A very important and respected person in a certain area of work, study, or public life.
[someone] is an eminence in [a field]
- She is an acknowledged eminence in international law.
- Several medical eminences attended the conference to discuss the new treatment.
- As an eminence in classical music, he is often asked to judge international competitions.
- The committee consulted various academic eminences before drafting the report.
- She is an eminence in modern art.
- He became a legal eminence after many famous cases.
- They invited several scientific eminences to the meeting.
- Everyone in the field knows that professor; he is an eminence in physics.
honorific title for a cardinal
A very polite and formal title used when talking to or about a Roman Catholic cardinal.
His/Your Eminence [statement]
- His Eminence will lead the ceremony at the cathedral.
- The letter was formally addressed to His Eminence, Cardinal Rossi.
- "Your Eminence," she began, "thank you for agreeing to meet with us."
- Several bishops and His Eminence the Cardinal attended the synod.
- Your Eminence, may I ask a question?
- The guests waited for His Eminence to enter the church.
- They wrote a letter to His Eminence, Cardinal Lee.
a small raised area or hill
A small raised part of a surface. It can be a low hill on the land, or a part of a bone that sticks out slightly.
on an eminence overlooking [a place]
- The castle was built on a rocky eminence above the river.
- The surgeon noted a small bony eminence near the joint.
- From the grassy eminence, we could see the whole valley spread out below us.
- The town sits on a small eminence above the sea.
- The doctor felt a hard bony eminence on the patient’s knee.
- They climbed to an eminence and looked down at the city.
- Base: eminence
- Plural: eminence, eminences
eminence grise
1powerful hidden advisor
A person who has a lot of power and influence but works quietly in the background and is not the public leader.
- Many saw him as the eminence grise behind the president’s economic policy.
- Although she rarely spoke in public, insiders knew she was the true eminence grise of the company.
- The minister is widely viewed as the prime minister’s eminence grise on foreign affairs.
His Eminence
1third-person title for a cardinal
A very polite and formal way to talk about a male Roman Catholic cardinal, used before or instead of his name.
- His Eminence will celebrate Mass at the cathedral on Sunday.
- The announcement stated that His Eminence, Cardinal Ortega, had arrived in Rome.
- Reporters waited outside the residence of His Eminence for a statement.
Your Eminence
1direct address to a cardinal
A very polite and formal way to speak directly to a Roman Catholic cardinal.
- "Your Eminence, we are honored by your visit," the mayor said.
- If you have any questions, please address them to Your Eminence at the end of the meeting.
- "Thank you, Your Eminence," the ambassador replied with a bow.