What does eminently mean?
Eminently is a formal adverb meaning to a very high or notable degree, functioning as an intensified form of 'very'. It most often modifies adjectives describing desirable or assessable qualities, as in 'an eminently sensible plan' or 'an eminently qualified candidate', and it typically carries a tone of approval or measured praise. Derived from the Latin eminere, meaning 'to stand out', it shares its root with 'eminent' and 'eminence', which concern distinction and prominence. The word belongs mainly to written and formal English — reviews, reports, editorials, and academic prose — where it lends an authoritative, judicious air. It should not be confused with the unrelated adverb 'imminently', which describes something about to happen. Eminently is useful precisely because it praises without exaggerating: it suggests a quality so evident that it stands out on its own merits, making it a favourite of careful writers who wish to sound both confident and restrained.
adverbTo a very high or notable degree; used to intensify an adjective, meaning 'very' or 'extremely', often with a suggestion of suitability or worthiness.
- Used to intensify an adjective: to a very great degree; very (as in 'eminently fair').
- In a way that is outstanding or distinguished; notably (a somewhat older, less common sense).
"The proposal was eminently sensible and won the committee's unanimous approval."
"The scheme is eminently practical, requiring no new legislation."
"She proved herself eminently capable of managing the crisis."
One misplaced letter turns 'eminently qualified' into a job offer arriving any second now — that's the difference between eminent and imminent.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of eminently
Eminently derives from the Latin verb eminēre, meaning 'to stand out' or 'to project', formed from ex- ('out') and -minēre ('to project'). It entered English in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century via the adjective 'eminent', borrowed through Latin eminentem. Its cognates include 'prominent' and 'prominence', from the related Latin prominere. The word has retained its core sense of standing out to a marked degree throughout its history in English.
How eminently is actually used
Formal to neutral register; chiefly found in written and formal spoken English. It almost always modifies gradable adjectives expressing qualities (suitable, reasonable, sensible) rather than verbs. The intensifier sense carries a mildly approving connotation.
Easily confused with eminently
'Eminently' means to a high degree, while 'imminently' means about to happen very soon.
'Emphatically' means done with emphasis or strong assertion, whereas 'eminently' means to a notable degree.