adj. 1. Well-known and respected, especially for achievement in a particular field: an eminent historian. See Synonyms at famous. 2. a. Outstanding or remarkable: handled the situation with eminent skill. b. Being such in full measure; complete; absolute: "the eminent sanity, good-humor and judgement you always display in pushing matters you have at heart" (Theodore Roosevelt). 3. Towering or standing out above others; prominent: an eminent peak. [Middle English, from Latin ēminēns, ēminent-, present participle of ēminēre, to stand out : ē-, ex-, ex- + -minēre, to jut out; see men-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] emi·nent·ly adv. |
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