Foremost
adj.capable, thoughtfulformal
What it means
Most important, respected, or skilled in a group.
Reach for it when identifying the most important, respected, or skilled member of a group
She is one of the country's foremost bridge engineers.
Choose between these
6- everyday
informal ranking is acceptable
not when Top lacks precision and sounds undignified in a formal biography.
- warm
achievement and esteem deserve praise
not when Distinguished does not place someone first.
- professional
high standing is clear without claiming a single winner
not when Leading can describe several peers.
- professional
principal
importance within a defined matter is central
not when Principal often means main, not most skilled.
- formal
chief
official primacy or responsibility matters
not when Chief can name a role rather than merit.
- formal
recognized superiority is strongly supported
not when Preeminent is grand and requires exceptional evidence.
Said against
3- least
- minor
- unknown
It naturally appears in
3- foremost expert
She is the foremost expert on the surviving bridge.
- first and foremost
First and foremost, the plan protects safe access.
- among the foremost
He ranks among the foremost restorers of wooden boats.