supremacy
n.-
1 total power or dominance (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe position of having more power, authority, or influence than anyone else.
the state of being superior to all others in authority, power, or status. Often used in political or military contexts.
ExampleThe empire struggled to maintain its military supremacy over the neighboring countries.
ExampleThe naval supremacy of the British fleet during the nineteenth century allowed for the expansion of trade routes across the globe.
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'over'.
- inferiority
- subordination
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2 being the best at something (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe state of being better or more successful than all competitors.
the quality of being the best or most successful in a particular field or activity.
ExampleThe team's supremacy in the league was clear after they won ten games in a row.
ExampleTechnological supremacy in the semiconductor industry is a primary goal for many competing nations in the modern economy.
- superiority
- preeminence
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3 ideology of superiority (n.) C1 Advanced Academicthe belief that one group of people is better than others and should have all the power.
the ideology or belief system asserting that a specific group is inherently superior to others and should exercise dominance over them.
ExampleThe group was criticized for promoting ideas of racial supremacy.
ExampleSociologists study how institutional structures can inadvertently maintain the supremacy of one social class over another.
Teacher's tipIn modern social and political discourse, this sense is frequently used in the context of 'white supremacy' to describe systemic racism.
- exceptionalism
- chauvinism
From supreme + -acy (a variant of -cy). Compare with supremity and New Latin suprematia.
- Nounsupremacist
- Nounsupremacy