paramount

¹

[par-uh-mount]

adjective

1. chief in importance or impact; supreme; preeminent.

   a point of paramount significance.

   Antonyms: unimportant

2. above others in rank or authority; superior in power or jurisdiction.

noun

1. a supreme ruler; overlord.

Paramount

²

[par-uh-mount]

noun

1. a city in SW California, near Los Angeles.

paramount

/ ˈpærəˌmaʊnt /

adjective

1. of the greatest importance or significance; pre-eminent

noun

1. rare,  a supreme ruler

Other Word Forms

• paramountcy noun
• paramountly adverb
• superparamount adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramount¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Anglo-French paramont “above,” from par per- + amont “upward, above” (from Latin ad montem “to the mountain”; ad-, mount ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramount¹

C16: via Anglo-Norman from Old French paramont, from par by + -amont above, from Latin ad montem to the mountain

Synonym Study

See dominant.

Example Sentences

But listening to everything the puppets say is paramount, as clues are often hidden in dialogue.

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They said: "Throughout this period, the student experience will remain paramount, and we are committed to full consultation with our recognised trade unions and to providing support to colleagues affected."

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"The President's paramount concern is the safety and well-being of our people in the earthquake struck areas," Gomez told reporters.

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To Ellison, harnessing, managing, and monetizing data was, is, and will always be paramount.

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“Our paramount concern is the safety and well-being of our community.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• outstanding 
• predominant 
• preeminent