Word of the Day

: August 7, 2022

eminently

adverb EM-uh-nunt-lee

What It Means

Eminently is used as a synonym of very and means “to a high degree.”

// All three outfielders are eminently capable of making an All-Star-caliber catch to help their team.

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eminently in Context

“As far as tequila goes, blancos are by far my favorite. And not without good reason: They're eminently drinkable—whether in cocktails, on the rocks, or neat.” — Karla Alindahao, Forbes, 2 May 2022

Did You Know?

When British physician Tobias Venner wrote in 1620 of houses "somewhat eminently situated," he meant that the houses were literally located in a high place. That use has since slipped into obsolescence, as has the word's use to mean "conspicuously"—a sense that reflects its Latin root, ēminēre, which means "to stick out" or “protrude.” The figurative sense of “notably” or “very” that is prominent today was likely a new development when Venner was writing.