Word
paramount
Phoneticspara·mount
US/ˈpɛɹəˌmaʊnt/
UK/pˈæɹəmˌaʊnt/
Definitions
01most important
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. more important than anything else.
adj. of the highest importance or priority; supreme.
“In this business, the safety of our workers is paramount.”
“The committee agreed that maintaining the integrity of the data was paramount, even if it meant delaying the publication of the final report.”
02highest in rank
C2 · Proficiency Formal · Literary
adj. having the highest position or power.
adj. possessing supreme power or rank; pre-eminent in authority.
“The king was the paramount ruler of all the lands in the north.”
“The treaty recognized the sultan as the paramount authority over the coastal territories, effectively ending decades of local tribal disputes.”
Antonyms
03a supreme leader
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal · Technical
n. a person who has the highest power or rank in a group.
n. a supreme ruler or superior; specifically used for certain high-ranking traditional leaders.
“The Paramount met with the village elders to discuss the new laws.”
“The installation of the new Paramount was attended by representatives from every province, signaling a period of renewed political stability.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “paramount” in context.
Adjective
01. paramount importance
“In the aviation industry, the safety of passengers is of paramount importance.”
adj + noun
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'of paramount importance'. Typically functions as a predicative adjective following 'is' or 'remains'.
Real-World Examples
“A recent survey by Susquehanna Polling and Research found that 77% of likely voters believe that "conserving national forests and other roadless lands for current and future generations" is paramount.” “In south Asian culture, marriage continues to be paramount, with women still largely bearing the brunt of this societal pressure.” “Having a conversation between the public and the artists was paramount.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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