"eminent" vs. "preeminent"
Judging from their entries in Miriam-Webster, the meanings of eminent and preeminent are similar:
eminent:
- exhibiting eminence especially in standing above others in some quality or position
- standing out so as to be readily perceived or noted
- jutting out
preeminent:
- having paramount rank, dignity, or importance
So when would I use which? Is preeminent simply stronger, or are there cases where only one of them is appropriate?
According to Noddy330,
Eminent v preeminent
Q: What's the difference between "eminent" and "preeminent" in usage? Would a distinguished faculty member be described as an "eminent professor" or a "preeminent professor"?
A: It's a matter of degree. Eminent means that someone or something has become distinguished and stands out from the crowd. There may several eminent people in a field. Preeminent means more like peerless, the most eminent of the eminent, the leading authority.
em·i·nent
1.high in station, rank, or repute; prominent; distinguished: eminent statesmen.
2.conspicuous, signal, or noteworthy: eminent fairness.
3.lofty; high: eminent peaks.
4.prominent; projecting; protruding: an eminent nose.
From http://dictionary.reference.com
pre·em·i·nent
eminent above or before others; superior; surpassing: He is preeminent in his profession.
From http://dictionary.reference.com
WikiDiffsays,
Preeminent is a derived term of eminent.
As adjectives the difference between preeminent and eminent is that preeminent is exceeding others in quality or rank; of outstanding excellence, extremely notable or important while eminent is (archaic) high, lofty; towering; prominent
Examples of preeminent in a sentence can be found at Sentence Your Dictionary
Looking at Merriam-Webster's definition of eminence (eminent "exhibits eminence"), we see:
1 : a position of prominence or superiority
2 : one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty: such as
a : a person of high rank or attainments —often used as a title for a cardinal
And looking at its definition of paramount (preeminence has "paramount rank"):
: superior to all others : supreme • a matter of paramount importance • Unemployment was the paramount issue in the election.
Therefore, while you can have multiple people who are are all eminent within a field, you can only have one who is preeminent.