supremacy
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
the state or condition of being supreme; ultimate authority, power, or dominance.
The highest position of power or rank in a hierarchy, often implying unchallenged control or superiority over all others. Can also refer to the doctrine or belief in the supremacy of a particular group, law, or principle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in contexts of power struggles, ideology, law, and competition. Can have neutral, positive (e.g., achieving supremacy through merit), or highly negative connotations (e.g., racial supremacy, oppressive control).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is consistent; however, "parliamentary supremacy" is a core UK constitutional term, while in the US, "judicial supremacy" or "the Supremacy Clause" (Article VI of the Constitution) are more prominent legal concepts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries significant weight. In political/historical discourse, it is strongly associated with ideologies of domination (e.g., white supremacy).
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Slightly higher in UK media regarding sports (e.g., "fight for supremacy in the Premier League").
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
supremacy over [someone/something]supremacy of [law/parliament/ideology]struggle/battle/fight for supremacyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a battle for supremacy”
- “to gain the supremacy”
- “supremacy is challenged”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The two tech giants are locked in a fierce battle for market supremacy.
Academic
The historical analysis focused on the shifting naval supremacy in the 18th century Mediterranean.
Everyday
Their friendly rivalry on the tennis court is really about personal supremacy.
Technical
The treaty's Supremacy Clause establishes that federal law overrides conflicting state law.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The party's manifesto reaffirmed a belief in the supremacy of Parliament.
- Team Sky's supremacy in cycling was undeniable for nearly a decade.
American English
- The case reaffirmed the supremacy of federal law under the Constitution.
- Their air supremacy was crucial to the campaign's success.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The lion is often called the king, showing its supremacy in the jungle.
- The company wants supremacy in the smartphone market.
- Historians debate the reasons for Rome's military supremacy over its neighbors.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'supreme' court or a 'supreme' ruler. Supremacy is the state or quality of being the supreme, top authority.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPREMACY IS BEING AT THE PEAK/SUMMIT; SUPREMACY IS A POSESSION TO BE FOUGHT FOR/WON.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'превосходство' (superiority) in all contexts. 'Supremacy' implies a more absolute, often institutional or ideological, dominance. For legal contexts, 'верховенство' is more accurate (e.g., верховенство закона - supremacy of law).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'superiority' and 'supremacy' interchangeably. 'Superiority' is a comparative advantage, while 'supremacy' is an absolute, often unchallenged, state of being the best or in control.
- Misspelling as 'supremicy' or 'supremasy'.
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'being the best' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, 'supremacy' most precisely refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is a powerful and formal word. It can be neutral or positive in contexts like sports, business competition, or law ('supremacy of law'). However, it is strongly associated with negative ideologies like 'white supremacy'.
'Superiority' is comparative—it means being better than something else. 'Supremacy' is absolute—it means being the highest in rank or authority, often without a close rival. You can have a slight superiority, but supremacy implies dominance.
No, 'supremacy' is only a noun. The related adjective is 'supreme'.
In US law, it's Article VI of the Constitution, which states that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the 'supreme Law of the Land,' meaning they override conflicting state laws.
Explore