paramount sin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paramount sin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sin or wrongdoing that is considered the most significant or important among others. Example: "In the context of moral philosophy, many argue that greed is the paramount sin that leads to various other vices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"He doesn't think Arafat has ever executed on his commitments," one official said, and in the world of Mr. Bush that is the paramount sin.

The New York Times

That meant no narration, the paramount sin of a documentary in his view and nowhere to be found in this or other Workman films like "The Source," his acclaimed kaleidoscopic film about Beat writers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In that tradition, all sin is defeated through the paramount manifestation of God's love for the world, the redemptive suffering of Christ, which could not have occurred unless there were sin, and which makes possible God's offer of salvation to humankind.

SEP

The investment she had in atoning for the sins that she believed she had committed along the way became really paramount -- it was her life.

Huffington Post

Paramount Building.

The New York Times - Travel

Forbidden sin?

Independent

Her sin?

The New York Times

His sin?

The Economist

Security is paramount.

The New York Times

Self-interest is paramount.

Independent

Fit is paramount.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paramount sin" when you want to emphasize that a particular sin is the most significant or defining one in a given context. It's effective in discussions of morality, ethics, or character analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "paramount sin" when referring to minor or insignificant misdeeds. It should be reserved for situations where the sin is truly central and has far-reaching consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paramount sin" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific sin as the most significant or egregious. As seen in Ludwig, the usage is often in contexts where morality or consequences are being weighed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paramount sin" is a relatively rare phrase used to denote the most significant or egregious sin in a given context. As validated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the severity or importance of a particular transgression. While most commonly found in News & Media and Science, its register is considered neutral to formal. Consider alternatives like "cardinal sin" or "chief transgression" depending on the desired nuance. When using "paramount sin", ensure the context warrants highlighting a specific sin as the most critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cardinal sin

Refers to the most serious sins, from which other sins are believed to arise.

foremost sin

Highlights the primary or most important sin among others.

major transgression

Indicates a significant breach of moral or ethical standards.

chief transgression

Highlights the main or most significant act of wrongdoing.

central sin

Indicates that the sin is the core or focal point of wrongdoing.

ultimate offense

Emphasizes the final or most extreme violation of rules or moral principles.

most grievous sin

Emphasizes the severe or serious nature of the sin.

greatest iniquity

Stresses the extreme injustice or wickedness of a particular sin.

defining sin

Suggests that the sin characterizes a person or situation.

principal vice

Focuses on the main negative character trait or habit considered morally wrong.

FAQs

What does "paramount sin" mean?

The phrase "paramount sin" refers to the most important or greatest sin in a particular context. It's the sin that is considered the most egregious or has the most significant consequences.

What can I say instead of "paramount sin"?

You can use alternatives like "cardinal sin", "chief transgression", or "ultimate offense" depending on the context.

How can I use "paramount sin" in a sentence?

You might say, "For Mr. Bush, failing to honor commitments was the "paramount sin"." or "In that tradition, all sin is defeated through the "paramount" manifestation of God's love..."

Is "paramount sin" a common phrase?

While the individual word "paramount" is commonly used to mean 'most important', the phrase "paramount sin" itself is relatively rare. Consider its impact when used to emphasize the gravity of a wrongdoing.