Definition

Adverb: - To a preeminent degree; with superiority or distinction above others: Used to indicate that something is the best, most important, or most outstanding example of its kind. - In a preeminent manner: In a way that is surpassing all others; very notably or conspicuously.

Usage

The adverb "pre-eminently" is used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb to emphasize that the quality being described is of the highest, most distinguished, or most superior order. It is a formal word often found in academic, literary, or analytical writing.

Examples

• Modifying an adjective:

  • He is a pre-eminently qualified candidate for the position. (He is a candidate whose qualifications are superior to all others.)
  • This region is pre-eminently suited for wine production. (This region is the most outstandingly suitable for wine production.)

• Modifying a verb:

  • She succeeded pre-eminently in her field. (She succeeded in a manner that distinguished her above all others in her field.)

• Modifying a past participle:

  • It is a pre-eminently respected institution. (It is an institution respected above all others.)

Advanced Usage

• "Pre-eminently" can be used to single out the primary or most defining characteristic from a set of possibilities.
  • The conference was, pre-eminently, a forum for scientific exchange. (The most important and distinguished aspect of the conference was its role as a scientific forum.)
  • He was pre-eminently a man of action, not words. (His most superior and defining quality was being a man of action.)

Variants and Related Words

• Preeminent (adjective): Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
  • She is the preeminent scholar in her field.
• Preeminence (noun): The state of being preeminent.
  • The company has achieved preeminence in the market.

Synonyms

• Par excellence: Being the best possible example of a particular type.
• Supremely: To the highest degree; most importantly.
• Outstandingly: In a remarkably excellent way.
• Eminently: To a notable degree; very. (Note: "Eminently" is similar but often implies being notably worthy, while "pre-eminently" implies being the worthy or superior.)

Antonyms

• Ordinarily: In a normal or standard way.
• Mediocrely: In a manner that is of only moderate quality.
• Inferiorly: In a lower-quality manner.

Adverb

1. to a preeminent degree; with superiority or distinction above others; in a preeminent manner
   • a wide variety of pre-eminently contemporary scenes