adjective

paramount

PAIR-uh-mownt/ˈpærəmaʊnt/

More important than anything else.

The rescuer treats the child's safety as paramount, leaving possessions behind.

Rescue worker prioritizes carrying child to safety while possessions remain behind.

Etymology

parLatinthrough, by

+aLatinto

+mountLatinmountain, hill

The pieces evoke movement “to the hill,” behind the French sense “above” in place, rank, or degree. Physical height became superiority in power or importance, yielding “more important than anything else.”

In context

Career Friend14:57

Guest privacy and security are paramount. I would never keep a lost item or discuss it with other guests.

Laundry Attendant Interview at 5-Star Hotel | Laundry Worker Interview

More examples

Accuracy is paramount in this task.
They regarded privacy as paramount.
One concern remained paramount.

Forms

paramount

Similar words

supreme: Emphasizes highest rank or authority.
primary: First in importance without necessarily outweighing everything.