primacy
UK: ˈpraɪməsi | US: ˈpraɪməsi
n. the state of being the most important or dominant
n. the office or position of a primate (high-ranking bishop)
primacy = prim<first> + acy<noun suffix>
- prim (from Latin primus, meaning "first")
- acy (noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality, from Latin -atia)
Etymology Origin:
The word "primacy" traces back to Latin primatus, derived from primus (first). It entered Middle English via Old French primacie, reflecting the concept of being first in rank or importance. The suffix -acy systematically converts the root into an abstract noun, emphasizing supremacy or precedence. Historically, it also became associated with ecclesiastical hierarchy (e.g., the primacy of the Pope).
The primacy of education in national development cannot be overstated.
The bishop asserted his primacy over the diocese.
Scientific innovation holds primacy in modern economies.
The primacy of customer satisfaction drives this company’s policies.
Debates about the primacy of nature versus nurture persist in psychology.