paramount Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite having superior power and influence
    preponderant; overriding; preponderating; predominant; predominate.
    • the predominant mood among policy-makers is optimism

WordNet

Par"a*mount adjective
Etymology
OF. par amont above; par through, by (L. per) + amont above. See Amount.
Definitions
  1. Having the highest rank or jurisdiction; superior to all others; chief; supreme; preëminent; as, a paramount duty. "A traitor paramount." Bacon. Syn. Superior; principal; preëminent; chief.
Par"a*mount noun
Definitions
  1. The highest or chief. Milton.

Webster 1913