prominent
PRO-mih-nuhnt
Prominent (adj) means Important, well known, or widely respected. Example: “A prominent local businessman donated the money for the new library.”
adj
1
Important, well known, or widely respected.
"A prominent local businessman donated the money for the new library."
"She is a prominent voice in the fight against climate change."
"Several prominent scientists signed a letter asking for more funding for research."
2
Easily noticeable because of size or position; sticking out.
"The building's prominent glass tower can be seen from across the city."
"He has a prominent nose that you notice straight away in photographs."
"The shop put a prominent sign above the door so customers could find it."
How to use prominent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding out — either physically (visible/large) or socially (important, well known).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
prominent figure
prominent role
prominent position
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Word forms
- Plural
- prominents
- Comparative
- more prominent
- Superlative
- most prominent
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A _____ local businessman donated the money for the new library.
Etymology
From obsolete French prominent, from Latin prōminēns ("jutting out"), from prō- ("forward") plus mineō ("to project").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for prominent
See all rhymes for prominent →Frequently asked questions
What does “prominent” mean?
The word “prominent” means important, well known, or widely respected. In plain terms, standing out — either physically (visible/large) or socially (important, well known).
How do you pronounce “prominent”?
“Prominent” is pronounced PRO-mih-nuhnt (/ˈpɹɑmɪnənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “prominent” in a sentence?
Here is “prominent” used in a sentence: “A prominent local businessman donated the money for the new library.”
What part of speech is “prominent”?
“Prominent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “prominent” come from?
The word “prominent” comes from Latin. From obsolete French prominent, from Latin prōminēns ("jutting out"), from prō- ("forward") plus mineō ("to project").
Is “prominent” a common word?
“Prominent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “prominent” have?
“Prominent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: important, well known, or widely respected.
What is the difference between "prominent" and "famous"?
"Prominent" means important, well known, or widely respected within a field or community. "Famous" means known to very large numbers of people. A prominent scientist may be respected in their field without being famous to the general public.
What is the difference between the two meanings of "prominent"?
"Prominent" can mean important, well known, or widely respected, as in "a prominent lawyer." It can also mean easily noticeable because of size or position, as in "a prominent nose." Context shows whether status or physical visibility is meant.
What is the difference between "prominent" and "eminent"?
Both describe people of high standing, but "prominent" stresses being widely known or noticeable, while "eminent" stresses distinction and being highly respected for achievement. An eminent professor is admired for expertise; a prominent one is simply well known.
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