paramount

¹ American  

[par-uh-mount] / ˈpær əˌmaʊnt /

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.

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noun

1. a supreme ruler; overlord.

Paramount ² American  

[par-uh-mount] / ˈpær əˌmaʊnt /

noun

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

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paramount British  

/ ˈpærəˌmaʊnt /

adjective

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

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noun

1. rare a supreme ruler

Related Words

See dominant.

Other Word Forms

• paramountcy noun
• paramountly adverb
• superparamount adjective

Etymology

Origin of paramount

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 )

Example Sentences

Above all else, industry representatives say that consumer acceptance has to be paramount for the tech to be deployed widely.

From The Wall Street Journal

"So we'll wait and see what happens with the review. But absolutely paramount to this is that the equipment that is provided is safe for use."

From BBC

“Being able to run the football will be paramount and key,” Stafford said.

From Los Angeles Times

East Dunbartonshire Council said the fire report issues were being addressed in order of priority, with many already fixed, and the health and safety of staff and pupils was paramount.

From BBC

Sunak told the inquiry that one of his priorities was to prevent mass unemployment and said "speed was paramount" in the government's response.

From BBC

Related Words

• outstanding
• predominant
• preeminent