preeminence

American  

[pree-em-uh-nuhns] / priˈɛm ə nəns /

Or pre-eminence

noun

1. the state or character of being preeminent.

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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.

Example Sentences

Not content with mere parliamentary preeminence, de Gaulle quickly fashioned a Fifth Republic with a semimonarchical presidency to which he was elected the following year, an office he would hold for a decade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Sopranos Michelle Allie Drever and Alaysha Fox give us a sample of Mozart’s operatic preeminence.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

While they may be known for their Disco preeminence during the "Saturday Night Fever" era, the Bee Gees enjoy the distinction of landing hit records across four decades, from the 1960s through the 1980s.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2024

Its presence constituted a strong argument against the supposed preeminence of Columbus.

From Slate • Nov. 11, 2023

Churchill’s preeminence, too, was a product of place, time, personality, luck, and oratorical command.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Related Words

• ascendancy
• domination
• predominance
• supremacy