foremost

[fawr-mohst, -muhst, fohr-]

adjective

1. first in place, order, rank, etc..

   the foremost surgeons.

   Synonyms: paramount, principal, chief, prime, primary

foremost

/ ˈfɔːˌməʊst /

adjective

1. first in time, place, rank, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of foremost¹

before 1000; fore ¹ + -most; replacing Middle English, Old English formest, equivalent to form ( a ) first, variant of fruma (compare Latin prīmus ) + -est -est ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of foremost¹

Old English formest , from forma first; related to Old Saxon formo first, Old High German fruma advantage

Idioms and Phrases

see first and foremost.

Example Sentences

“It’s a health issue, first and foremost,” said Nazarian, who pointed out that the effects of extreme heat fall disproportionately on vulnerable populations like those who are chronically ill.

From Los Angeles Times

First and foremost, that requires a reassertion that she is in charge of this process.

From BBC

It revolved around rudimentary weightlifting; first and foremost, sets of back squats the day after he took the mound.

From Los Angeles Times

It is first and foremost a tragedy for his family and friends.

From BBC

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that security guarantees for Ukraine would first and foremost enable the Ukrainian army to defend their country in the long term.

From BBC