eminence

Eminence, n.

Etymology: [L. eminentia, fr. eminens eminent: cf. F. éminence.]

1. That which is eminent or lofty; a high ground or place; a height. Without either eminences or cavities. Dryden. The temple of honor ought to be seated on an eminence. Burke.

2. An elevated condition among men; a place or station above men in general, either in rank, office, or celebrity; social or moral loftiness; high rank; distinction; preferment. Milton. You 've too a woman's heart, which ever yet Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty. Shak.

3. A title of honor, especially applied to a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for eminence; he lists it under fame.

Where he writes about it:

Eminence and distinction may result from rank, station, or character. — from fame

Synonyms

fame celebrity credit distinction glory honor laurels notoriety renown reputation repute

Antonyms

contempt contumely discredit disgrace dishonor disrepute humiliation ignominy infamy oblivion obscurity shame

etymology Webster’s online