English vocabulary · C1
Paramount
/ˈperəˌmaʊnt/ · adj.
Paramount means more important than anything else. When one need matters most right now, every other choice must come after it.
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Example sentences
- Safety is paramount during surgery.
- Finding water became paramount.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- paramont — above (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- SUPREME — highest in rank (Above Everything Else)
- CHIEF — most important (The Main One)
- CRUCIAL — very important (Needed For Success)
Similar words
- supreme
- chief
- crucial
Lesson notes
Paramount means more important than anything else. When one need matters most right now, every other choice must come after it.
Related: supreme, chief, crucial. Use paramount when one need must come first.
Safety is paramount during surgery. Finding water became paramount.
From Old French. paramont- means above. Above every other need: that is paramount.