Paramount
hardNeutral tonePAIR-uh-mount
adjective
Definition
More important than anything else; supreme
Memory hook
PARA-MOUNT: at the top of the MOUNTAIN - supreme importance, like the Paramount Pictures logo.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Safety is of paramount importance in construction.”
“The paramount concern was protecting civilian lives.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Safety is of ______ importance in construction.”
Show answer
paramount
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Paramount is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "supreme" or "preeminent" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "trivial".
Related GRE Words
principal
First in order of importance; main; the head of a school
preeminent
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way
eminent
Famous and respected within a particular field; outstanding
inconsequential
of little importance; trivial
signal
(adjective) Notably or conspicuously outstanding
telling
Having a striking or revealing effect; significant
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