preeminence

or pre-em·i·nence

[ pree-em-uh-nuhns ]

noun

1. the state or character of being preeminent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preeminence¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English word from Late Latin word praeēminentia. See preeminent, -ence

Example Sentences

We also must consider Iran, North Korea, transnational terrorists like al Qaeda, and, above all, the threat of a China that seeks first hegemony over Asia and then global preeminence.

From Time

The investment comes just as the venerable investment firm has achieved unprecedented preeminence on Wall Street.

From The Daily Beast

Of external causes of cold the third is, a striving for preeminence between married partners, n. 248.

From Project Gutenberg

Not only are the paths of preeminence untrodden; the purlieus of brutish ignorance are likewise unfrequented.

From Project Gutenberg

He had never known youth, he had not therefore been disturbed by its pangs for instant preeminence.

From Project Gutenberg

The intellectual preeminence of Mrs. Markham was equally, and no less ostentatiously, granted.

From Project Gutenberg

They were in a continued quarrel contesting the preeminence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ascendancy
• domination
• predominance
• supremacy

More About Preeminence

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.

Where does preeminence come from?

The first records of the word preeminence come from around 1200. It comes from the Late Latin praeēminentia, from the Latin verb praeēminēre, meaning “to project forward” or “to be prominent.” In preeminence, the prefix pre- means “before in rank.”

People who have achieved preeminence in their field come before all others in their expertise or authority on a topic. This is typically due to having accomplished many things and having earned the respect of their colleagues or the public during a lengthy career. Describing someone as preeminent usually means they are the top expert or one of only a few people at the top of the field.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to preeminence?

• pre-eminence (alternate spelling with hyphen)
• preeminent (adjective)

What are some synonyms for preeminence?

• predominance
• supremacy
• primacy
• dominance

What are some words that share a root or word element with preeminence? 

• eminence
• eminent
• eminently
• éminence grise

What are some words that often get used in discussing preeminence?

• foremost
• expert
• scholar
• researcher
• professor
• expertise
• field
• profession
• topic
• area
• region

How is preeminence used in real life?

Preeminence is typically used in the context of people who are at the very top of their field or things that dominate in some area.

If the Reds change managers in the months ahead, Barry Larkin would be a natural fit, given his preeminence with the organization.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 10, 2015

“Turkey’s intervention in Nagorno-Karabakh is Ankara’s most overt challenge to Russian influence in the former Soviet Union, where Moscow is extremely protective of its claims to preeminence.”https://t.co/Kxi1uj5pu5

— Foreign Affairs (@ForeignAffairs) October 1, 2020

Nothing moves faster than the speed of trust. JS co-founder Glen Jackson shares how brands achieve preeminence: https://t.co/R4lePFAQsk

— Jackson Spalding (@jacksonspalding) April 11, 2016

 

Try using preeminence!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of preeminence?

A. supremacy
B. primacy
C. weakness
D. predominance