eminently
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɛmɪnəntli/
US
- /ˈɛmənəntli/
Description
- very well
- clearly
- notably
- in an outstanding way
If someone is eminently qualified for a task, they are not just capable; they are clearly very well suited for it. Imagine a world-class chef being asked to judge a local cooking competition. They are eminently suited to the role because their skill and experience make that choice obvious.
The word shows that a good quality stands out in a clear way. It comes from the Latin eminere, meaning "to stand out." In everyday English, you might talk about an eminently sensible plan or an eminently qualified scholar. It means the quality is not just there; it is easy to notice and hard to doubt.
The word eminently is an adverb used to emphasize that a person or thing possesses a quality to a high degree, making them perfectly suited for a particular purpose. It implies a level of excellence that is noticeable and beyond the ordinary. Because it carries such a strong weight, you wouldn't typically use it for mediocre situations; you wouldn't say a meal was "eminently okay." Instead, it is reserved for instances where the superiority of a trait is clear.
For example, you might say, "The detective was eminently qualified to solve the complex case, having spent decades mastering forensic investigation." Or, "Her performance was eminently deserving of the standing ovation it received." In both cases, the word highlights a striking level of merit.
Think of the word's origin: just as an "eminent" mountain peak towers over the surrounding foothills, a quality that is eminently present towers above the average. Whether you are describing a plan that is eminently practical or a writer who is eminently readable, you are signaling that their excellence stands out from the crowd. It is the perfect word for when something isn't just good, but remarkably and obviously so.
Examples
- 1
Job qualification
She is eminently qualified for the job.
- 2
Readable writing
The book is short, clear, and eminently readable.
- 3
Business decision
For a small company, it was an eminently sensible decision.
- 4
Building reuse
The old station building is eminently suited to life as a market hall.
Pattern
suited to + use/purpose
right for that use or purpose
- 5
Achievable plan
The plan looked ambitious, but it was eminently achievable within a year.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- eminentlyadverb