foremostfore‧most /ˈfɔːməʊst $ ˈfɔːrmoʊst/ ●○○ adjective 
one of the country’s foremost authorities on chemical warfare Rostropovich was long considered the world’s foremost cellist.2in a leading position among a group of people or thingsforemost among/amongst Sharpton was foremost among the protesters. Economic concerns are foremost on many voters’ minds. → first and foremost at first2(10)
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Economic concerns are foremost on many voters' minds.
- First and foremost in importance to the structure were the bishops.
- The displays cover the growth and development of one of Britain's foremost medieval strongholds under its succession of powerful castellans.
- The National Childbirth Trust, formed in 1956, is Britain's foremost charity concerned with education for parenthood.
- Unlike these cities, Dublin is thought of first and foremost for its literary heritage, rather than for its art.
Longman Language Activatorways of stating the main reason for something or the main part of something
use this to say what the main reason for something or the main part of something is: · I was asked to lead the meeting mainly because Kristin is out of town.· My new job's fairly boring - it's mainly typing.· The company sells its batteries mainly through electronics stores.
largely and chiefly mean the same as mainly , but they are used especially in written or formal English: · The bird lives chiefly on mice and other small animals.· The report says that drug use is largely responsible for the 40% rise in the city's homicide rate.· Money raised by the new tax is to be used chiefly for road construction.
firstly and most importantly: · Foreign aid is intended principally for the south of the region.· The agency is primarily concerned with making sure the nation's food supplies are safe.· She has a degree in anthropology, but she's primarily a writer.
most importantly compared to other things, especially ones you have just mentioned: · Above all, she will be remembered for all the work she did in the community.· Teaching history means above all knowing how to tell a story.
use this to say that something is the most important thing, and needs to be dealt with before anything else and given attention before anything else: · First and foremost, they are looking for ways to save money.· What children need first and foremost from their parents is a sense of security.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY one of the country’s foremost authorities on chemical warfareCOLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
one of the country’s foremost authorities on chemical warfare· No, says psychologist Lenore Walker, one of the foremost authorities in wife abuse research.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1the best or most important SYN leading, top: - First and foremost, they are looking for ways to save money.
- Mayor Agnos is a conservative Christian, but he considers himself first and foremost an American.
- What children need first and foremost from their parents is a sense of security.
- And Mr Hemsley is first and foremost a producer-not a commodity trader.
- Friends say that this was the demand she put first and foremost on the list of what she wanted to achieve.
- However my worry is not first and foremost a medical one but a spiritual one.
- I really think that first and foremost this one's down to the board.
- It has been established that such items as these were employed first and foremost as musical instalments.
- It is a film first and foremost about loss.
- My other travelling companion, John Lawrence, would describe himself first and foremost as a writer.
- This meant, first and foremost, following Bacon in the making of natural histories.
one of the country’s foremost authorities on chemical warfare Rostropovich was long considered the world’s foremost cellist.2in a leading position among a group of people or thingsforemost among/amongst Sharpton was foremost among the protesters. Economic concerns are foremost on many voters’ minds. → first and foremost at first2(10)