Words / B2

PROM-in-uh-nt/ˈprɒmɪnənt/

Prominent means important and well known, or physically sticking out: a prominent critic, a prominent role, a prominent nose. Famous is everyday for people; major is close for roles; noticeable is the physical sense. Prominence is the noun. In speech, well known / important is enough. Do not call every local councillor prominent on the national stage, and do not confuse it with promising (showing future potential).

Meaning

Important and well known; also sticking out and easy to see.

Examples

• “A prominent scientist criticised the study’s methods.”
• “A prominent economist called the forecast reckless.”
• “The scar is on a prominent part of the face, which is the physical sense.”

Good to know

a prominent + person/role. Everyday: well known. Physical: sticking out / noticeable. Noun: prominence. Mix-up: promising.

Near in meaning

well known

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