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

Derived Forms

• ˈparaˌmountcy, noun
• ˈparaˌmountly, adverb

Other Words From

• para·mountcy noun
• para·mountly adverb
• super·para·mount 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

The Rose Bowl is a National Historic Landmark, and maintaining that status is paramount to people associated with the stadium and Pasadena preservationists.

From Los Angeles Times

Those impending negotiations over Ukraine highlight the paramount importance of alliances for U.S. global power.

From Salon

"We understand that it is concerning and upsetting for people to leave their homes but the safety of the public is always paramount," he said.

From BBC

"The health and wellbeing of the players is paramount," Borthwick said.

From BBC

The idea of branch loyalty was paramount to the people who wrote the Constitution.

From Salon

Related Words

• outstanding
• predominant
• preeminent