Supereminence

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality or state of being superior in rank or importance; an exceptional distinction that elevates an individual beyond the ordinary
2. A condition of surpassing excellence or superiority, often associated with high societal or professional status
3. The characteristic of holding an elevated position or prominence, marked by exceptional capabilities and recognized authority

Etymology: "Supereminence" is built from "super-", meaning "above" or "beyond," and "eminence," which comes from Latin "eminere," to stand out or project upward. The Latin "eminere" combines "e-" (out) with "minere," to project, so the root image is of something jutting up above its surroundings. English "eminence" has been used since the late 1300s for a raised or high place, and later for a high rank or distinction among people. "Supereminence" follows the same pattern, taking that sense of rising above and intensifying it with the prefix "super-," which the Latin "supereminentia" already contained. The English noun is a learned borrowing from Latin, so it carries the Latin notion of standing above others outright rather than merely standing out. Its use is largely confined to formal and literary writing, where the stronger prefix gives the idea of prominence extra emphasis.

Synonyms: greatness, supremacy, dominance

Antonyms: inferiority, subordination