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Foremost: meaning, definitions and examples

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foremost

 

[ˈfɔːməʊst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in importance

most prominent in position or importance

Synonyms

chief, leading, primary, principal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foremost

Used to indicate someone or something that is the most important or prominent in a particular area or field.

  • She is one of the foremost experts in the field of genetics.
  • Safety is our foremost concern.
leading

Used to describe someone or something that is most important or most successful in a particular area or field.

  • She is a leading actress in Hollywood.
  • They are one of the leading companies in the tech industry.
primary

Used when referring to the main or most important aspect of something, especially in a basic or fundamental sense.

  • Their primary goal is to provide affordable healthcare.
  • Education is the primary concern for many parents.
chief

Often used to refer to the highest-ranking person or position, typically in an organization or group.

  • He was appointed chief executive officer of the company.
  • The chief editor reviewed the manuscript.
principal

Often used to describe someone who holds the highest position of authority in an educational context, or as the main or most important element of something.

  • The principal of the school greeted the students.
  • The principal reason for their success was their effective teamwork.

Examples of usage

  • His foremost priority is the safety of his family.
  • She is considered the foremost expert in her field.
  • The foremost reason for his success is hard work and dedication.
Context #2 | Adverb

in time

at or from the front or beginning

Synonyms

first, frontmost, leading.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foremost

Used to indicate the most important or leading position in a situation, often when discussing priorities or achievements.

  • She is one of the foremost experts in her field
  • Our foremost concern is the safety of our employees
first

Typically used to indicate the initial position in a sequence or order. It can also refer to the most important thing to be considered or mentioned.

  • First, let me thank you for coming
  • Among the list of tasks, finishing the report comes first
frontmost

Refers to the position at the very front or closest to the front, generally used in physical or spatial contexts.

  • The frontmost seats in the theater offer a great view
  • He stood in the frontmost position of the line
leading

Used to describe someone or something that is at the top in terms of rank, importance, or influence in a particular field or area.

  • She is a leading figure in contemporary art
  • Our company is a leading provider of technological solutions

Examples of usage

  • He was standing foremost in the line.
  • She always arrives foremost at the meeting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Old English 'foremost,' where 'fore' means 'before' and 'most' indicates 'the greatest extent.'
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century, originally describing someone or something that leads or excels.
  • Over time, it evolved to refer broadly to things that are prominent or superior.

Literature

  • In many classic tales, the foremost character is often the hero, symbolizing bravery and leadership.
  • Shakespeare frequently used the concept of being foremost in discussing character and morality, highlighting the struggle for prominence.
  • Foremost themes in literature often explore the notion of ambition and the consequences of striving to be the best.

Science

  • In the realm of scientific discovery, the foremost researchers are those who make significant breakthroughs that change our understanding of the world.
  • The concept of foremost can apply in biology, where certain species are considered leading indicators of environmental health.
  • In technology, the foremost innovations often set the stage for future developments and trends.

Pop Culture

  • In celebrity culture, the foremost figures often dominate media headlines and social conversations.
  • Music charts frequently highlight the foremost artists, showcasing who is influencing trends and popular tastes.
  • In sports, the foremost athletes are celebrated as icons, often representing the pinnacle of talent in their fields.

Psychology

  • Psychology suggests that being viewed as foremost can impact one's self-esteem and self-perception significantly.
  • Studies show that people tend to follow foremost leaders in social groups, highlighting the impact of perceived status on decision-making.
  • Ambition to be foremost in personal or professional contexts can lead to both positive growth and stress.

Translations

Translations of the word "foremost" in other languages:

🇵🇹 principal

🇮🇳 प्रमुख

🇩🇪 führend

🇮🇩 terkemuka

🇺🇦 першочерговий

🇵🇱 najważniejszy

🇯🇵 最重要

🇫🇷 principal

🇪🇸 principal

🇹🇷 en önemli

🇰🇷 가장 중요한

🇸🇦 أهم

🇨🇿 nejdůležitější

🇸🇰 najdôležitejší

🇨🇳 最重要的

🇸🇮 najpomembnejši

🇮🇸 fremstur

🇰🇿 ең маңызды

🇬🇪 მთავარი

🇦🇿 ən vacib

🇲🇽 principal

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,829 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.