prominence
PRO-mih-nuhns
Prominence (noun) means the state of being well known, important, or noticeable. Example: “The scandal brought the senator unwanted prominence in the national press.”
noun
1
The state of being well known, important, or noticeable.
"The scandal brought the senator unwanted prominence in the national press."
"The artist rose to prominence after her first exhibition sold out."
"The local bakery gained prominence once a famous chef praised its bread."
2
A part that sticks out or bulges from a surface.
"A rocky prominence overlooked the entire valley."
"The doctor felt a small prominence on the bone beneath the skin."
"A rounded prominence on the cliff face made a handy place to sit."
How to use prominence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing noticeable or important, or a part that physically juts out.
Common pairings
rise to prominence
gain prominence
a rocky prominence
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Word forms
- Plural
- prominences
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The scandal brought the senator unwanted _____ in the national press.
Etymology
From obsolete French prominence, from Latin prominentia.
Synonyms
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renown
eminence
distinction
stature
protuberance
hump
gibbousness
bump
gibbosity
excrescence
extrusion
bulge
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for prominence
See all rhymes for prominence →Frequently asked questions
What does “prominence” mean?
The word “prominence” means the state of being well known, important, or noticeable. In plain terms, being noticeable or important, or a part that physically juts out.
How do you pronounce “prominence”?
“Prominence” is pronounced PRO-mih-nuhns (/ˈpɹɑ.mɪ.nəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “prominence” in a sentence?
Here is “prominence” used in a sentence: “The scandal brought the senator unwanted prominence in the national press.”
What part of speech is “prominence”?
“Prominence” is a noun.
Where does the word “prominence” come from?
The word “prominence” comes from Latin. From obsolete French prominence, from Latin prominentia.
Is “prominence” a common word?
“Prominence” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “prominence” have?
“Prominence” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being well known, important, or noticeable.
What is the difference between prominence and fame?
Fame specifically refers to being widely known by the public, while prominence more broadly describes being important, noticeable, or well known within a particular field or context, which may or may not extend to general public fame. A scientist can rise to prominence in their field without becoming famous to the public at large.
What does it mean to rise to prominence?
To rise to prominence means to become increasingly well known, important, or noticeable over time, often through achievement or public attention in a particular area.
Can prominence refer to a physical feature?
Yes, prominence can also describe a part that sticks out or bulges from a surface, a more literal, physical sense distinct from its more common figurative meaning of importance or fame.
