Etymology Map
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Eminent

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means famous and respected

Where does the word "eminent" come from? It comes from Latin eminens, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
eminens
Latin · ancient
"standing out"
present participle of 'eminere', to project
2
Stage 2 of 2
eminent
English · 1400s
"prominent"
'eminent domain' is a legal term from the 1700s
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Eminent’s story begins in Latin: eminens meant “standing out.” Present participle of 'eminere', to project. It reached English by 1400s as eminent. 'eminent domain' is a legal term from the 1700s. Today, eminent means famous and respected.