Primacy
/ˈpraɪ.mə.si/noun
The state or condition of being first in rank, importance, or authority.
Did you know?Primacy comes from the same ancient root as words like prince and primary, all ultimately tied to the idea of being first — the original language of status and order.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*per-
“to go forward, before, first”
Latin
Latin
primus
“first, foremost”
Late Latin
Latin
primatia
“preeminence, first rank”
Old French
Old French
primacie
“supremacy, first rank”
Middle English
English
primacie
“supremacy, priority”
Modern English
English
primacy
“the state of being first in rank or importance”