'preeminent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praeeminens,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'eminere' meant 'to stand out.'

'praeeminens' transformed into the Old French word 'preeminent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'preeminent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to stand out before others,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.