paramount

The word “paramount” means supreme in importance, rank, or authority; overriding everything else. In plain terms, more important than anything else — the top priority, no exceptions.

“Paramount” is pronounced PA-ruh-mownt (/ˈpæɹəˌmaʊnt/ in IPA).

Here is “paramount” used in a sentence: “Safety is paramount when working with heavy machinery.”

Depending on how it is used, “paramount” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “paramount” comes from Old French. From Anglo-Norman paramount, literally "above" — from Old French par ("by, through") + amont ("upward, toward the mountain"). The sense of "supreme" grew naturally out of "above everything else.".

“Paramount” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

“Paramount” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: supreme in importance, rank, or authority; overriding everything else.

Paramount means supreme in importance, ranking above everything else, while important simply indicates something matters without implying it outranks all other concerns. Something described as paramount is treated as the single most critical factor, not just one important one among several.

Paramount is a formal word, commonly found in legal, official, and academic writing, such as "the safety of the public is paramount." It would sound unusually stiff in casual conversation, where "most important" or "top priority" is more natural.

Yes, besides its common use as an adjective meaning supreme in importance, paramount can also function as a noun referring to a supreme ruler or chief with the highest authority in a region. The noun usage is far less common than the adjective.