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

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

Initially, it meant 'standing out before others,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'superiority or dominance.'