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

From Salon

"The attack on Sir David Amess was an awful tragedy, the safety of members of Parliament is paramount and significant work has been taken forward in response to his tragic killing," it said.

From BBC

Not everything is about the Ashes but, for this area of the team, that plane journey to Perth in November next year is paramount.

From BBC

Both papers are owned by billionaires whose business and personal interests are paramount.

From Salon

Missouri, Kansas and Idaho think it’s of paramount importance to keep up the rates of teen pregnancy, lest they lose a congressional seat here or there or a few bucks in federal handouts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• outstanding
• predominant
• preeminent