preeminence

or pre-em·i·nence

[ pree-em-uh-nuhns ]

/ priˈɛm ə nəns /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR preeminence ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the state or character of being preeminent.

Origin of preeminence

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English word from Late Latin word praeēminentia.See preeminent, -ence

Words nearby preeminence

pre-Elizabethan, pre-embryo, preemergence, preemergent, preemie, preeminence, preeminent, preemphasis, preemployment, preempt, preemption

Example sentences from the Web for preeminence

His third sister, Constantia, was distinguished by her preeminence of greatness and of misery.
The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire|Edward Gibbon
In this play, too, I often sought unfair conquests, conquered myself meanwhile by vain desire of preeminence.
The Confessions of Saint Augustine|Saint Augustine
Her purity is so inestimable that I cannot say whether I derive more pride or sorrow from its preeminence.
Chivalry|James Branch Cabell
Nor are these advantages and this preeminence due to our merits and deserts.
Explanation of Catholic Morals|John H. Stapleton

As their soil became depleted, the hold of their state on preeminence in everything was weakening.
Green Spring Farm|Ross Netherton