Word
overriding
Phoneticsover·rid·ing
US/ˈoʊvɝˌɹaɪdɪŋ/
UK/ˌəʊvəɹˈaɪdɪŋ/
Definition
adj. more important than anything else in a situation. You use this to describe the main reason or goal that decides what happens.
adj. more important or significant than all other considerations; having priority or dominance. Often used to describe a primary motive, concern, or principle that dictates a course of action.
Examples
“Their overriding concern is the safety of the children.”
“Despite several minor technical issues, the overriding factor in the project's success was the team's ability to communicate.”
“The court ruled that the state's interest in public health was the overriding principle, even when it conflicted with individual property rights in this specific instance.”
Examples
simple
“Their overriding concern is the safety of the children.”
contextual
“Despite several minor technical issues, the overriding factor in the project's success was the team's ability to communicate.”
complex
“The court ruled that the state's interest in public health was the overriding principle, even when it conflicted with individual property rights in this specific instance.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun to indicate priority or dominance.
Real-World Examples
“Earlier this week, the government centralised management of the situation, overriding the local authority, after criticism that it had been slow to respond.” “Initially at least, this seems to be how the album deals with its overriding theme, via glancing references and lyrics open to interpretation, sprinkled through songs that offer a striking resume of Strings’ skills.” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/overriding