éminence

eminence

noun eh-mee-NAHNS Rare

Origin: Latin eminentia, height, prominence

Also means

prominence

Usage Note

Éminence can describe a physical rise in terrain or, more commonly, a person of high rank or distinction. The phrase éminence grise (literally 'grey eminence') denotes a powerful person who operates behind the scenes — widely understood in English too. The title Son Éminence is used for cardinals.

Examples

"Son Éminence a pris la parole devant l'assemblée."

Natural Translation

His Eminence addressed the assembly.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

French Silent Letters: The CaReFuL Rule

Final consonants in French are silent by default — except C, R, F, L. The CaReFuL rule, the silent -e, the plural-s trap, and liaison, explained simply.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

How to Pronounce the French R (Step by Step)

The French R is a back-of-the-throat sound, not a rolled R. Learn the exact tongue position and a step-by-step drill to build it from sounds you already make.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Object Pronouns: le, la, lui, leur Order

Le lui or lui le? Use the à-name test to pick le/la vs lui/leur, then one slot chart to order two French object pronouns — plus the command exception.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Greetings: Bonjour, Salut, Coucou Explained

Bonjour, salut, or coucou? Pick the right French greeting every time with a simple two-axis guide to formality and time of day, plus how to say goodbye.

June 4, 2026 5 min read