pre-eminence
Definition
- Noun:
- The quality of being superior to all others: "pre-eminence" refers to the state of being outstandingly excellent, distinguished, or surpassing others in a particular field, quality, or domain. It implies a rank of highest distinction or dominance.
Usage Examples
- (Her outstanding superiority and leading status in astrophysics.)
- (The company attained a position of being the best or most dominant.)
- (His status as being superior to other painters.)
Advanced Usage
"to hold pre-eminence": to maintain a position of being the best or most important.
- This university holds pre-eminence in medical research. (It is the leading institution in that area.)
"to gain pre-eminence": to achieve a state of being superior or dominant.
- The athlete gained pre-eminence after winning three consecutive championships. (She became the most distinguished competitor.)
Variants and Related Words
Pre-eminent (adj): superior to or distinguished from all others; outstanding.
- She is a pre-eminent scholar in her field. (She is the most distinguished scholar.)
Pre-eminently (adv): in a way that is superior to all others; most notably.
- He is pre-eminently qualified for the position. (He is outstandingly qualified.)
Synonyms
- Supremacy: the state of being the highest in rank or authority.
- Dominance: the condition of being more powerful or influential than others.
- Excellence: the quality of being extremely good or outstanding.
- Ascendancy: a position of power or influence over others.
Related Idioms
"First among equals": a person or thing that is slightly superior to others in a group.
- In the committee, she is considered the first among equals due to her expertise. (She holds pre-eminence without being officially superior.)
"The cream of the crop": the best of a particular group.
- These students are the cream of the crop, showing pre-eminence in academics. (They are the most outstanding.)