What is premier? Pronunciation and usage in English

premier means . Learn how to pronounce and use premier through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of premier

premieradjective

/ˈpremiə(r)//prɪˈmɪr/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "premier." It's a tricky one for English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The Generally Accepted Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈprɪm.ər (rhymes with "prime her")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈprɪm: This part sounds like "prime" – like the word used for numbers. The stress is on this first syllable.
  • -ər: This is a suffix that usually turns a word into a noun. It's pronounced like "er" – as in "her" or "car."

The British English Pronunciation:

  • ˈprɪm.jər (rhymes with "prime jer")

The key difference in British English is the addition of a subtle "j" sound at the end of the second syllable. It’s very soft and quick.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the 'prime' sound: That's the most important part.
  • Don't over-emphasize the 'er': It’s a quick, subtle sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear native speakers. Here are some resources:

In short, think "prime her" or "prime jer," depending on whether you're aiming for American or British English.

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Usage and examples with the word premier in English

Let's break down how to use the word "premier" in English. It's a versatile word with a few distinct meanings, but they all relate to being first or most important. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As an Adjective (most common usage): Meaning "First" or "Most Important"

  • Usage: This is the most frequent way you'll encounter “premier.” It describes something that's at the top, the best, or the most significant.
  • Examples:
    • "The premier brand of coffee is always my favorite." (Meaning: The best brand)
    • "We need to focus on the premier goals of the project." (Meaning: The most important goals)
    • "She received the premier award for her performance." (Meaning: The most prestigious award)
    • "The premier location for the concert was in the city center." (Meaning: The best location)

2. As a Noun: Referring to the Head of State (typically a monarch or president)

  • Usage: This refers to the highest-ranking official in a country, usually a king, queen, emperor, or president.
  • Examples:
    • "The Premier of the United Kingdom addressed the nation last night." (Referring to the Prime Minister - the head of government)
    • "The Premier of Canada is visiting our city next week."
    • (Historically) "The Premier of France ruled over a vast empire."

3. As an Adjective (Referring to a Performance or Event - less common now)

  • Usage: Historically, "premier" (pronounced "pri-my-er" - rhymes with "him her") was used to describe the first showing of a play, movie, or opera. It’s less common now, but you’ll still encounter it.
  • Examples:
    • "The premier performance of the new opera was a resounding success." (Meaning: The very first performance)
    • "We attended the premier showing of the latest blockbuster."

Pronunciation:

  • As an adjective: "pri-MY-er" (stress on the second syllable)
  • As a noun (referring to a head of state): "pri-MY-er" (same as the adjective)
  • As an adjective (referring to a performance): "pri-MEER" (stress on the first syllable) – This pronunciation is becoming less frequent, but you’ll still hear it.

Key Differences to Remember:

  • Adjective ("premier"): Focuses on quality – the best, most important.
  • Noun ("Premier"): Identifies a person – the head of state.
  • Adjective ("premier" - first performance): Describes timing – the very first showing.

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you planning to use the word "premier"? (e.g., writing an essay, talking to a friend, etc.)

Synonyms for the word premier

Practice with vocabulary premier

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The university's research program is widely recognized as the ______ in its field, attracting top talent globally.
  2. The newly appointed CEO emphasized his commitment to making customer satisfaction the ______ priority for the entire organization.
  3. One of the ______ challenges for sustainable urban development is balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
  4. The team's ______ goal for the quarter is to increase market share by 15%, despite current economic headwinds.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes a company that is at the forefront of its industry and highly respected? a) premier b) primary c) principal d) leading e) basic

  2. The city is hosting a conference for ______ scientists to discuss breakthroughs in renewable energy. a) premier b) secondary c) trivial d) common e) top

  3. Which of these sentences correctly uses a word implying "first in importance or status"? a) The initial phase of the project focuses on data collection. b) He received the foremost award for his contributions to literature. c) The primary objective is to reduce operational costs. d) The premier university in the country boasts several Nobel laureates. e) The chief concern was the lack of security.

  4. Which word is most appropriate to describe the first event in a series, such as the opening night of a play or the first meeting of a new committee? a) inaugural b) subsequent c) initial d) principal e) premier

  5. The ______ responsibility of a manager is to ensure team productivity and well-being. a) minor b) main c) chief d) primary e) premier

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company is considered the best in the nation for its innovative software solutions. (Rewrite using "premier")

  2. The city hopes to become a top destination for international tourists. (Rewrite using "premier")

  3. The main focus of the conference will be sustainable energy solutions. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "premier")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. premier
  2. premier
  3. primary
  4. principal

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) premier, d) leading
  2. a) premier, e) top
  3. b) foremost, c) primary, d) premier, e) chief
  4. a) inaugural, c) initial
  5. b) main, c) chief, d) primary

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company is considered the premier provider of innovative software solutions in the nation.
  2. The city hopes to become a premier destination for international tourists.
  3. The principal focus of the conference will be sustainable energy solutions.

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