WordGarden.iosupreme
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /suːprˈiːm/
US
- /səˈprim/
Meanings
Adjective
highest in rank, power, or authority
greatest possible in importance, quality, or degree; utmost
Beyond the definition
"Supreme" is not just about being very good. It means being the highest, the greatest, or the most powerful. You can see it in a phrase like "supreme authority," where one person or group has the final power to decide. It can also describe something of the highest quality, like supreme skill or supreme beauty. The word has a strong feeling, so people usually use it for things that stand above all others.
The word "supreme" describes something that is highest in rank, power, importance, or quality. It is used for someone or something that stands above all others, with nothing higher in the same group. The idea is not simply "excellent," but "at the very top."
You will often see "supreme" in contexts of authority and position. For example, the Supreme Court is the highest court in many countries, and "supreme authority" means the greatest or final power. In these cases, the word points to control, status, or rank.
The word is also used for quality. A person may show supreme skill, a team may make a supreme effort, or a work of art may be praised for its supreme beauty. Here, it means the finest, strongest, or most impressive kind. It gives a sense that the thing being described reaches the highest level.
Sometimes "supreme" appears in fixed names or titles, and sometimes it is used more freely in writing and speech. In both cases, it keeps the same core idea: the top level, the final authority, or the greatest degree.
The word comes from the Latin supremus, meaning "highest." Whether you are talking about law, power, beauty, or ability, "supreme" tells us that something has reached the highest point or holds the greatest place.
Examples
- 1
Safety priority
In a crisis, the safety of the passengers is our supreme concern.
- 2
Political power
The king held supreme power for more than thirty years.
- 3
Personal confidence
She answered the questions with supreme confidence.
- 4
Legal institution
The dispute may eventually be decided by the Supreme Court.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Strong importance
For this chef, using fresh ingredients is of supreme importance.
- 6
Sports dominance
For most of the decade, that team reigned supreme in European football.
- Phrasereign supreme
be the best or most powerful
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- supremeadjective