preeminence
Americannoun
Usage
What does preeminence mean? Preeminence is the state of being preeminent—extremely distinguished, outstanding, or superior to all (or the majority of) others. The word eminent means high in station, rank, or reputation, and its noun form, eminence, refers to a position of superiority, high rank or status, or fame. Someone who is considered eminent is usually both well-known and well-respected, especially within a particular field. Preeminence is the state of being extremely eminent—famed and respected above all or most. Eminence is often used in reference to scholars who are viewed as experts in their field, with preeminence being the level of the most distinguished or respected authorities (or authority). Sometimes, preeminence means dominance, especially when it’s used in the context of a country’s control or influence over a region. Preeminence is sometimes spelled with a hyphen (pre-eminence), perhaps to make it easier to read. Example: He has achieved preeminence as the foremost expert on this topic.
Etymology
Origin of preeminence
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English word from Late Latin word praeēminentia. See preeminent, -ence
Explanation
Preeminence is the quality of being superior. It’s a type of high status or distinction for anything considered to be the best at something, like the preeminence of gold or the preeminence of a famous musician. Preeminence (or pre-eminence if you love hyphens) comes from the Latin word praeeminere for to “rise above or excel.” People with preeminence include the President, billionaires, and great athletes such as Michael Jordan. By definition, preeiminence suggests superiority, so it can't be a quality lots of people have. A world-famous surgeon is a doctor with preeminence. Anyone considered wealthy, powerful, important, or famous has preeminence.
Vocabulary lists containing preeminence
King Lear
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Between the World and Me
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The Boys in the Boat
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His long, productive career encompassed more than six decades, in each of which his live performances and recordings continually attested to his preeminence as one of jazz history’s most vital, innovative and influential artists.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2026
A man of his time, Macaulay didn’t question the cultural and intellectual preeminence of Britain.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 3, 2025
Its presence constituted a strong argument against the supposed preeminence of Columbus.
From Slate ● Nov. 11, 2023
Perhaps police hoped the passage of time and the preeminence of current affairs might soften any assessment of impropriety.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 6, 2023
The mediocre American aircraft industry of the 1930s rose to preeminence because of the challenge of World War II. What would it take for the country to prevail against this latest threat?
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
