paramount

[par-uh-mount] /ˈpær əˌmaʊnt/
adjective
1.
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-French paramont above, equivalent to par per- + a mont < Latin ad montem to the mountain, hence, in Old French: upward, above; see ad-, mount2
Related forms
paramountcy, noun
paramountly, adverb
superparamount, adjective
Can be confused
paramount, tantamount, ultimately.
Synonyms
1. See dominant.
Antonyms
1. unimportant.

Paramount

[par-uh-mount] /ˈpær əˌmaʊnt/
noun
1.
a city in SW California, near Los Angeles.
Examples from the web for paramount
  • 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."