ENGLISH
REFERENCE

overriding

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈoʊvɝˌɹaɪdɪŋ// UK //ˌəʊvəɹˈaɪdɪŋ// over·rid·ing

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.


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.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun to indicate priority or dominance.

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