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View synonyms for preeminence

preeminence

or pre-em·i·nence

[ pree-em-uh-nuhns ]

noun

  1. the state or character of being preeminent.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of preeminence1

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

Harris’ speech treated Trump as a menace to American national security and global preeminence.

From Salon

It fails to proclaim and claim credit for America’s economic dynamism and global preeminence, which have deepened under the Biden-Harris administration.

From Salon

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

His research revealed the preeminence of NAR Apostle Dutch Sheets in gathering the faithful to Washington on Jan. 6 to overturn the 2020 election for God.

From Salon

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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.

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What are some other forms related to preeminence?

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

What are some synonyms for preeminence?

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

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

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.

 

Try using preeminence!

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

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

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