noun
limelight
LIME-lite/ˈlaɪmlaɪt/
Public attention or prominence.
The public figure stands in the limelight, surrounded by a photographer and a reporter.
Etymology
Being on a brightly lit stage became a figure for public attention and prominence.
More examples
- He prefers to stay out of the limelight.
- The discovery brings the laboratory into the limelight.
Forms
limelight
Similar words
- spotlight
- Also figuratively describes focused public attention.
- prominence
- Emphasizes being important or widely noticed.