adjective

arch

Highest in rank or importance.

The old account names him the arch conspirator.

Etymology

The Greek prefix marks a chief or leading position. English uses arch independently with the same force, identifying the foremost example or highest rank.

More examples

  • The biography portrays her as the arch defender of tradition.
  • He was regarded as the arch enemy of the reformers.
  • The pamphlet denounced its opponent as an arch villain.

Forms

arch

Similar words

chief
The usual standalone adjective for highest in rank.
principal
A neutral term for first in importance.