primacy

[ prahy-muh-see ]

noun

, plural pri·ma·cies

1. the state of being first in order, rank, importance, etc.
2. Also called primateship. English Ecclesiastics. the office, rank, or dignity of a primate.
3. Roman Catholic Church. the jurisdiction of a bishop, as a patriarch, over other bishoprics, or the supreme jurisdiction of the pope as supreme bishop.

primacy

/ ˈpraɪməsɪ /

noun

1. the state of being first in rank, grade, etc
2. Christianity the office, rank, or jurisdiction of a primate or senior bishop or (in the Roman Catholic Church) the pope

Word History and Origins

Origin of primacy¹

1350–1400; Middle English primacie < Medieval Latin prīmātia, alteration of Latin prīmātus ( prīm ( us ) prime + -ātus -ate ³ ); -y ³

Example Sentences

But those who know and have observed Harris anticipate a more modern outlook that embraces multilaterialsm even as it acknowledges the primacy of the U.S. role on the global stage.

From Los Angeles Times

Given the primacy of food, food technologies help shape society.

From Salon

You might leave the enjoyable “Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal” scratching your head over the supposition of the primacy of an art and science “collision.”

From Los Angeles Times

When a more youthful vice president finally took cultural primacy over her older, quieter, much more publicity-shy superior, younger generations were even more primed to pounce on that moment.

From Slate

Either way, his selection thrusts health care center stage as an election issue, underscoring the primacy of the nation’s battle over abortion access as well as voters’ deep angst over spiraling health care costs.

From Salon

Related Words

• domination