Primacy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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primacy
[หpraษชmษsi ]
Definitions
in psychology
The state or condition of being first in importance, order, or position.
Synonyms
preeminence, priority, supremacy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| primacy |
Appropriate for describing something that is of the highest importance or rank, especially in abstract or hierarchical contexts such as fields of study, positions of power, or organizational structure.
|
| preeminence |
Suitable for highlighting a state of being outstanding or superior, often due to achievements or recognized excellence, usually in professional, intellectual, or artistic domains.
|
| supremacy |
Typically connotes a dominating power or influence over others, often used in political, racial, or competitive contexts. This term can have a negative connotation when implying unjust authority or superiority.
|
| priority |
Used when discussing what should be considered more important than other things and therefore done, dealt with, or completed first, commonly in time management, task organization, or personal preferences.
|
Examples of usage
- The primacy of the child's needs in attachment theory.
- The primacy of the unconscious mind in Freudian psychology.
in law
The fact of being primary or superior in legal rights.
Synonyms
dominance, preeminence, superiority.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| primacy |
Used to indicate the state of being the most important or foremost.
|
| preeminence |
Used to describe something or someone that is outstandingly superior or distinguished in a particular field.
|
| superiority |
This word often carries a connotation of comparison, indicating that something is better or of higher quality than others.
|
| dominance |
Typically refers to a position of power or control, often with a connotation of force or suppression.
|
Examples of usage
- The primacy of federal law over state law.
- The primacy of the Constitution in interpreting legal matters.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In cognitive psychology, the 'primacy effect' refers to the tendency to remember the first items in a list better than those in the middle.
- This phenomenon is important in understanding how we organize information and recall memories.
- It highlights the role of initial impressions in shaping our views and decision-making.
Philosophy
- 'Primacy' also refers to the idea of prioritizing certain values or beliefs over others in ethical discussions.
- In moral philosophy, some theories argue for the primacy of certain rights or duties that should take precedence in ethical dilemmas.
- This concept promotes deeper discussions about the nature of justice and moral reasoning.
Sociology
- In sociology, primacy can refer to the influence certain groups or institutions have over others in social systems.
- The idea of primacy can affect power dynamics, where certain cultural or social norms dictate behavior and expectations.
- Discussions about social primacy often address issues of privilege and inequality in society.
Origin of 'primacy'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'primacy' comes from the Latin 'primacia,' meaning 'first' or 'chief.'
- It is derived from 'primus,' which means 'first' in Latin, emphasizing the idea of being the top or leading.
- The transition from Latin to English occurred around the 14th century, adding depth to its usage in various contexts.
The word 'primacy' originated from the Latin word 'primatia', which means 'first place' or 'priority'. It has been used in various fields such as psychology, law, and philosophy to denote the state of being first or superior. The concept of primacy has been studied extensively in psychology, particularly in attachment theory and cognitive psychology. In law, primacy often refers to the precedence of one legal entity over another. The term has evolved over time to represent the highest level of importance or authority in a given context.