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DictionaryprimeMain importance
adjective / noun

prime

PRYME/praɪm/

Highest in importance or excellence.

The flawless ripe pear is a prime specimen among the others.

One beautifully ripe flawless pear displayed prominently among ordinary pears.
Etymology
primeLatinfirst; chief; excellent

Latin primus already extended “first” to “chief” and “excellent.” Prime preserves that connection: what ranks first can be foremost in importance or outstanding in quality.

In context

Ask Literature0:34
if a society has no morality then it would not survive Oscar Wilde is aware of the general principle that it is the prime duty of every artist to satirize society in case it is crossing its limits
Importance of Being Earnest as a Social Satire | Vanity of Victorian Class

More examples

  • The chef chooses prime cuts of beef for the restaurant.
  • At thirty, the runner is in her prime.
  • Poor drainage is the prime cause of flooding here.

Forms

prime · primes

Similar words

chief
Emphasizes greatest importance or authority, rather than excellent quality.
premium
Describes especially high quality, often with a higher price.
peak
Names a highest point, not necessarily a sustained period.