What does premier mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈprɛmɪər/

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

First in importance, order, or time; of the highest quality or rank.

Examples

The premier hotel in the city offers luxurious amenities.
She was the premier expert in her field, with numerous publications.

Synonyms

Chief
Primary
Foremost

Antonyms

Secondary
Minor
Inferior

Additional Information

The term “premier” is often used to describe something or someone that is of the highest quality or rank. It can be used to describe a person’s position or status, as well as the quality of a product or service. For example, a premier hotel is one that is considered to be of the highest quality, while a premier expert is someone who is recognized as the leading authority in their field.

In addition to its literal meaning, “premier” can also be used figuratively to describe something that is considered to be the best or most important. For example, a premier event is one that is considered to be the most important or highly anticipated.

It’s worth noting that the term “premier” can also be used as a noun, referring to the head of government in a country or state. In this context, the premier is the chief executive and is responsible for making key decisions and overseeing the administration of the government.

Etymology

The word “premier” comes from the Old French word “premier,” meaning “first.” It has been used in the English language since the 15th century, and has evolved to take on a range of meanings related to importance, quality, and rank.

Usage Notes

When using the word “premier,” it’s essential to consider the context in which it is being used. In formal or professional settings, “premier” is often used to describe something or someone that is of the highest quality or rank. In more casual settings, the word can be used more loosely to describe something that is considered to be the best or most important.

Cultural References

The term “premier” has been used in a range of cultural contexts, including in film and literature. For example, the movie “Premier” (2011) tells the story of a group of friends who start a premier league football team. In literature, the term has been used by authors such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens to describe characters and settings of high social standing.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are several idiomatic expressions that include the word “premier.” For example, “premier league” refers to the top division of a sports league, while “premier performance” describes a performance that is considered to be of the highest quality.

Related Words or Phrases

Words and phrases that are related to “premier” include “chief,” “primary,” “foremost,” and “first-rate.” These words all convey a sense of importance, quality, or rank, and can be used in similar contexts to “premier.”

Collocations

Frequency of Use

The term “premier” is relatively commonly used in modern language, particularly in formal or professional contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word is used approximately 1.5 times per million words.