chief in importance or impact; supreme; preeminent:
a point of paramount significance.
2.
above others in rank or authority; superior in power or jurisdiction.
noun
3.
a supreme ruler; overlord.
Origin
1525-35; < Anglo-Frenchparamont above, equivalent to parper- + a mont < Latinad montem to the mountain, hence, in Old French: upward, above; see ad-, mount2
Preserving wildlife, notably migratory birds and the iconic woodland caribou, is the paramount purpose.
Recognizing the insider power of the sentinels therefore is paramount.
Long term employment of all citizens is paramount.
If you're truly smart, you'll realize that education is paramount.
With property values paramount, privacy fences and hedges are going up.
Strong organizational skills are paramount.
Preventing the injury is paramount.
Excellence in teaching is paramount.
Honor and shame are paramount traits for social interaction.
If the ending is a bit awkward or unsatisfying, it only underscores the paramount importance of journey over destination.
British Dictionary definitions for paramount
paramount
/ˈpærəˌmaʊnt/
adjective
1.
of the greatest importance or significance; pre-eminent
noun
2.
(rare) a supreme ruler
Derived Forms
paramountcy, noun paramountly, adverb
Word Origin
C16: via Anglo-Norman from Old French paramont, from par by + -amont above, from Latin ad montem to the mountain
Word Origin and History for paramount
adj.
1530s, from Anglo-French paramont, Old French paramont "above" (in place, order, degree), mid-14c., from Old French par "by," from Latin per "through, for, by" (see per (prep.)) + amont "up," from a mont "upward" (see amount (v.)). The whole from Latin per ad montem, literally "to the hill."