eminences

Eminence is a noun with several related meanings. It can describe high rank or distinguished status attained by a person, or the quality of standing out or being notable. It can also refer to a natural feature that rises above its surroundings, such as a hill or projecting point on a landscape. The plural eminences can refer to multiple such features or to multiple people with notable status.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin eminens and eminentia, meaning to stand out or project. In English it has developed senses tied to prominence, both in social hierarchy and in physical form. The adjective eminent shares the same root and is used to describe persons of high reputation or significance.

Religious usage: In the Catholic Church, Your Eminence is an honorific title addressed to cardinals. Cardinals are senior clergy who participate in the election of the pope, and the title marks their rank within the hierarchy. The term is most common in ecclesiastical contexts and is not generally used for secular leaders.

Geographic and topographic usage: In geography and descriptive geology, eminence denotes a high point, ridge, or projecting part of a surface. The word emphasizes prominence rather than size alone, and is used in descriptions of landscapes or maps to denote notable elevations or prominences.

General usage: More broadly, eminence can refer to the degree of esteem or recognition accorded to an individual for achievements or expertise. In modern usage, the word is often reserved for formal or literary contexts, with synonyms such as prominence or renown common in everyday speech.