supremacy
soo-PREM-uh-see
/suːˈprɛməsı/
The state or condition of being superior to all others in authority, power, or status.
Focuses on being at the absolute top of a hierarchy or competition, often achieved through struggle or legal declaration.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin supremus (highest), which is the superlative form of superus (above). It entered English in the 16th century, heavily associated with the Act of Supremacy (1534) which declared King Henry VIII the Supreme Head of the Church of England.
Word relationships
- preeminence: Preeminence implies being highly distinguished or superior in quality, whereas supremacy emphasizes holding the highest power or authority.
- inferiority: Inferiority is the state of being lower in status or quality, whereas supremacy is being the absolute highest.
Commonly confused with
- sovereignty: Sovereignty is the legal right to self-govern, while supremacy is the factual state of being the most powerful or dominant entity.
Word family
- supreme (adjective): Highest in authority or power.
Collocations
- naval supremacy
- air supremacy
- judicial supremacy
- struggle for supremacy
Example sentences
- "The Constitution, and the Laws of the United States... shall be the supreme Law of the Land." Constitutional Law
- "The empire fought for centuries to establish its naval supremacy." Military History
Memory hook
SUPREME court has the ultimate SUPREMACY over all other courts. The absolute highest rank or power.
When not to use
Avoid using when describing a state of equal partnership or shared leadership.
Fun facts
- The Act of Supremacy in 1534 was the legal pivot that severed England from Rome, making the English monarch the head of the church and cementing royal supremacy.
Related words
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