Prominent is an adjective that derives from prominens , a Latin word. The term is used to name that which stands out, stands out or prevails , whether physically or in a symbolic sense.
For example: “The prominent rock that rested on the top of the mountain could be seen from several kilometers away” , “The doctor was concerned about the prominent lump that appeared on my arm and told me that he will carry out several studies” , “Municipal inspectors fined businesses whose prominent signs hinder visibility,” “Tomorrow we will have a visit from a prominent scientist who will explain to us the secrets of nuclear energy.”
Concept of prominent
In everyday language, the most common use of the concept of prominence is associated with an outstanding personality . When a person is described as prominent, this means that they are famous or recognized.
If someone indicates that Andy Warhol was a prominent artist , they will be alluding to the fact that this American who died in 1987 enjoyed wide recognition and was very popular.
With certain personalities, prominence is not in question: no one would dispute that Michael Jordan was a prominent basketball player or that Paul McCartney is a prominent musician . However, in other cases, the adjective may be questioned.
It should be mentioned, however, that the classification of prominent does not always refer to the same characteristics . Sometimes it is applied to fame, other times it is aimed at talent, etc. Thus, the adjective can focus on different aspects and mean different things.
The road to fame and recognition
The dream of every young artist is to become a prominent figure; This desire to stand out from the rest is probably as old as humanity itself, but today it is increasingly difficult. Although we have dozens of television programs that provide a space for new talents and Internet platforms that allow us to share our special skills with the entire world, the ease with which everyone can access these opportunities considerably reduces the chances of success. and, even more, to endure.
Michael Jordan y Paul McCartney, mencionados en un párrafo anterior, son dos figuras que alcanzaron la fama a nivel mundial y que pasaron a la historia para ser recordados, muy posiblemente, durante ages. Sin embargo, es importante señalar que se trata de personas que pertenecieron a otra época, en la cual no existían las oportunidades antes citadas, sino que, por el contrario, cada uno debía clear your own path with great determination, with infinite patience and, with hard work.
As a result of the differences between the time of the famous Beatle , the king of basketball, and the current one, the meaning and nuances of the prominent word have changed substantially. It is not necessary to directly name any current music or sports star to understand that the permanence in the showcase of fame has a much shorter duration than in the past , since the volume of "new faces" makes constant rotation necessary. , to prevent the public from getting bored and stopping consuming.
On the other hand, when talking about the struggle of certain groups to ensure that society gives them a space equivalent to that of the others, saying that one of them has achieved a more prominent role is synonymous with having fulfilled what they have worked for. harshly and does not necessarily refer to talent or fame, as in the previous cases. Women, the homosexual community and the black race are three examples of sectors of society that must face contempt, violence and discrimination in many countries around the world, every day, although that has never stopped them on their path towards equality.