What does supremacy mean?
Supremacy is the condition or position of holding supreme power, authority, or rank over others. It is used especially in political, military, economic, and cultural contexts, where it describes the dominance of a state, organization, group, idea, or individual. The word is usually formal and often suggests rivalry, competition, or the assertion of power. While it can imply broad authority, it may also describe only the leading position in a particular field, as in artistic or intellectual supremacy. Unlike the more comparative term superiority, supremacy emphasizes being highest or dominant overall. The word comes from Latin and has long been associated with political authority, especially the dominance of one state over another, but its modern uses extend well beyond government and warfare. It remains useful for discussing both formal institutions and informal cultural influence.
nounSupremacy means the power, authority, or position that is superior to all others. It can also refer to the highest rank, influence, or achievement in a particular field.
- The supreme power, authority, or control held over others.
- The position of highest rank, influence, or achievement in a field.
"The company fought to retain its supremacy in the global technology market."
"The alliance challenged the naval supremacy of the dominant fleet."
"Her innovation established her supremacy in the world of contemporary design."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; the singular is normally preferred even when different kinds of dominance are being discussed.
"The book examines rival supremacies of language and culture."
From the Latin for “highest,” supremacy names the point at which greater power becomes the highest power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supremacy come from?
Supremacy comes through Medieval Latin suprematia from Latin supremus, meaning “highest” or “supreme.” The English word is attested from the early 16th century and initially referred to supreme authority or preeminence. Its root also underlies supreme, supremal, and supremist, although these related forms have developed distinct meanings and uses.
How supremacy is actually used
Supremacy is formal and often carries an assertive, adversarial, or political connotation. It may refer to power over people or to preeminence in cultural, economic, intellectual, or creative fields; in discussions of ideology, the phrase “white supremacy” specifically denotes the belief in the racial superiority of white people.
Easily confused with supremacy
Supremacy emphasizes supreme power or the highest position overall, whereas superiority more often denotes being better than another in a particular comparison.
Supremacy can describe dominance or preeminence in any field, while sovereignty specifically refers to supreme authority or independence, especially of a state.