foremost

fore-most · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Most prominent in rank, importance, or position.

  2. 2.

    Before anything else in rank, importance, or position.

  3. 3.

    In the leading position; at the front.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    first and foremost — most importantly; before anything else
  • •
    foremost authority — the leading expert on a subject
  • •
    foremost among — the most important or prominent of

Related words

Antonyms: last, least, minor
See also: first, leading, primary
Synonyms: chief, leading, preeminent, primary, principal

Etymology

From Old English formest (superlative of forma, "first"), influenced by fore and -most. The spelling changed to match words like "utmost" and "innermost."