Eminent means high in station, rank, or reputation. Its noun form, eminence, refers to a position of superiority, high rank or status, or fame. Someone who is eminent is prominent or distinguished in some way, especially within a particular field. The word is often associated with scholars.
Being such in full measure; complete; absolute: "the eminent sanity, good-humor and judgement you always display in pushing matters you have at heart" (Theodore Roosevelt).
To protect their right to profit from their own property, the reluctant owner's rights are forcibly purchased, almost like an eminent domain situation. These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web.
Definition of eminent adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
High in rank, office, worth, or public estimation; conspicuous; highly distinguished: said of a person or of his position: as, an eminent station; an eminent historian or poet. It is rarely used in a bad sense.
Adjective eminent (comparative more eminent, superlative most eminent) Noteworthy, remarkable, great. Synonyms: remarkable, outstanding; see also Thesaurus: notable His eminent good sense has been a godsend to this project. (of a person) Distinguished, important, noteworthy.
There are ten meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective eminent, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
Eminent definition: Well-known and respected, especially for achievement in a particular field.
Imminent bears a close resemblance to eminent, and native English-speakers can be excused if they sometimes have to check their spelling. No surprise, really, since the two, despite their very distinct meanings, come from near-identical sources.