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Definition of pre-eminence - 2 dictionary results

pre⋅em⋅i⋅nence

[pree-em-uh-nuhns]
–noun
the state or character of being preeminent.
Also, pre-em⋅i⋅nence.


Origin:
1175–1225; ME < LL praeēminentia. See preeminent, -ence

pre-eminence 
c.1225, from L.L. præminentia "distinction, superiority" (5c.), from L. præeminens, prp. of præeminere "project forward, rise above, excel," from præ- "before" + eminere "stand out, project" (see eminent).
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