foremost

/ˌfɔrˈmoʊst/

/ˈfɔməʊst/

Other forms: foremostly

Foremost is an adjective that means holding the highest position or rank. When naming advisors, presidents usually search for the foremost experts on various subjects.

If you are the foremost in your profession, you're the expert people will seek out for an opinion. If your foremost concern in a project is money, all other factors are secondary. You can also use this word as an adverb meaning "before anything else." The film, Gone With the Wind, is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, but first and foremost, it is a love story.

Definitions of foremost

1. adjective

   ranking above all others
   “the foremost figure among marine artists”

   synonyms: first, world-class

   best

   (superlative of `good') having the most positive qualities
2. adjective

   preceding all others in spatial position
   “the foremost compartment of the ship”

   synonyms: frontmost

   front

   relating to or located in the front
3. adjective

   situated closest to the bow
   “the foremost compartment of the ship”

   synonyms:

   fore

   situated at or toward the bow of a vessel
4. adverb

   before anything else
   synonyms: first, first of all, first off, firstly
5. adverb

   prominently forward
   “he put his best foot foremost”

   synonyms: first