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

"For me this is particularly frustrating, as I'm chronically ill and selling on Vinted has been paramount for me since losing part of my income," she said.

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Thirty years later, the need for more upgrades became paramount.

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Outside of work, what’s paramount in Lachey’s life “is being a dad and being present for my kids, and really being involved in their life,” he says.

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In a statement, the Department of Health said the safety of patients was paramount and the regulation of all healthcare professionals was kept under review.

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That makes it paramount for the company to have a steady stream of content that entices customers to keep paying.

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Related Words

• outstanding 
• predominant 
• preeminent