Supremacy
/səˈprɛməsi/
Definitions
The state of having the greatest power or authority; the position of being supreme.
/səˈprɛməsi/
The state or condition of being superior to all others in power, authority, or status.
The company aimed for market supremacy.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're the best at something, like the best player on a sports team. Supremacy is being in that top spot, the one everyone looks up to. It's like being the king or queen of a game!
👶 For kids: Being the best at something, like the top dog!
More Examples
The emperor's claim of divine supremacy was widely challenged.
The air force's goal was to achieve air supremacy.
How It's Used
"The political party fought to establish its supremacy."
"The supremacy of the constitution is a fundamental principle."
"The Roman Empire achieved military supremacy for centuries."
Idioms & expressions
racial supremacy
The belief that one race is superior to others and should therefore dominate.
"Groups promoting racial supremacy are often associated with hate crimes."
cultural supremacy
The belief that a particular culture is superior to others.
"Throughout history, various empires have believed in their cultural supremacy, leading to the subjugation of other civilizations."
military supremacy
The dominance of a military force over its rivals.
"The nation fought to achieve military supremacy to protect its borders."
From Middle French *suprematie*, from Late Latin *suprematia*, from Latin *supremus* ("highest").
The word 'supremacy' has been used in political and religious contexts since the 16th century, often to describe the authority of a ruler or a religious body.
Memory tip
Think of a ruler standing on top of a pyramid – they have supremacy.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: supremus