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
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.
A man of his time, Macaulay didn’t question the cultural and intellectual preeminence of Britain.
To dress up is to project power, possibility and preeminence.
From Los Angeles Times
In a statement, UC said that the “new administration guidance would imperil this vital support and jeopardize America’s research preeminence.”
From Los Angeles Times
That means casting herself as a mighty defender of the country’s national security, global preeminence, and the American way.
From Salon
Looking at the present and the future, that approach sees forthright opposition to the preeminence of Jewish rights as extreme or otherwise beyond the pale.
From Salon
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.
