preeminent
gb/pɹiˈɛmənənt/ us/pɹiˈɛmənənt/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
most important or leading
more important or respected than all others
Usage pattern:
preeminent in [field/area]; the preeminent [person/thing] in [place/field]
Common mistake:
Often confused with 'imminent' (about to happen). 'Preeminent' means 'the best/most important.'
Synonyms
foremost (Emphasizes being first in rank or importance.)
|
leading (Common and slightly less formal; highlights influence or success.)
|
top (More informal; focuses on being the best.)
Antonyms
minor (Of less importance or influence.)
|
secondary (Not primary; less important in rank.)
Collocations
preeminent position
|preeminent role
|preeminent figure
|preeminent leader
|preeminent authority
|preeminent scholar
|preeminent institution
|preeminent among
|preeminent in
|the preeminent expert
Themes
work
|education
|society
|politics
|culture
Examples
- She is widely regarded as the preeminent expert on early childhood development.
- The university has become the preeminent institution for marine research in the region.
- For decades, the company held a preeminent position in the global market.
Learner examples
- He is the preeminent doctor in our city.
- This school is preeminent in science.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
outstandingly excellent and distinguished
extremely good and respected
Usage pattern:
preeminent for [quality/achievement]
Common mistake:
Use 'preeminent' for people/things that clearly stand above others; for general praise, 'excellent' is more common.
Synonyms
eminent (Stresses being famous and respected; slightly less strong than 'preeminent.')
|
distinguished (Highlights honor and recognition for achievements.)
|
outstanding (More general; focuses on notable excellence.)
Antonyms
undistinguished (Not notable or admired; ordinary.)
|
mediocre (Only average in quality; not impressive.)
Collocations
preeminent talent
|preeminent achievement
|preeminent reputation
|preeminent contribution
|preeminent work
|preeminent artist
|preeminent scientist
|preeminent for its quality
Themes
work
|arts
|education
|achievement
Examples
- Her preeminent talent as a pianist was obvious even in her early performances.
- The book is preeminent for its clear explanations and careful research.
- They invited several preeminent speakers to the conference.
Learner examples
- He is a preeminent writer.
- The team is preeminent for its defense.
Grammar
Dictionary form
preeminent
IPA
GB/pɹiˈɛmənənt/
US/pɹiˈɛmənənt/
Syllables & stress
pree - m - in - ent (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (m)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: preeminent
Word family
Expressions
preeminent among
1/pɹiˈɛmənənt əmˈʌŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
standing out as best in group
the best or most important in a group
Examples
- She is preeminent among contemporary poets.
- The company remains preeminent among its competitors.
- His influence is preeminent among modern thinkers.
preeminent in
1/pɹiˈɛmənənt ˈɪn/
fixed phrase
formal
best or most important in
the best or most respected in a subject
Examples
- The lab is preeminent in cancer research.
- She became preeminent in her field after publishing the study.
- This city is preeminent in technology and design.