Paramount
/ˈpærəˌmaʊnt/
Definitions
Of chief importance or concern.
/ˈpærəˌmaʊnt/
Most important; superior to all others.
The safety of the children is paramount.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're planning a party. The *paramount* thing to consider is the guest list because without guests, there's no party! It's the most important factor.
👶 For kids: It means the most important thing!
More Examples
Her paramount goal was to become a doctor.
The company's paramount concern is customer satisfaction.
How It's Used
"Profitability is of paramount importance to any successful business."
"National security is a paramount concern for the government."
"Health is paramount, without it everything else becomes difficult."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
of paramount importance
The most important thing.
"The safety of the environment is of paramount importance."
From Old French *paramont* meaning 'above, superior' (literally 'by the mountain'), from *par* (by) + *mont* (mountain). Ultimately from Latin *mons* (mountain).
The word 'paramount' gained significant usage in legal and political contexts during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially regarding matters of jurisdiction and authority.
Memory tip
Think of a mountain peak – it's the highest point, the most visible, and thus paramount.