First among equals
phrase
A person or thing having equal rank with others but considered first in importance or position.
In the meeting, the CEO insisted that he was first among equals.
Often appears as...
- considered first among equals
- seen as first among equals
Usage tips
Formal
phrase
The title given to the Patriarch of Constantinople in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Patriarch of Constantinople is known as the first among equals.
Usage tips
Formal
Religious
phrase
A principle applied to decision-making processes where all participants have an equal say but one person holds more weight or influence.
In our club, we use a first among equals decision-making process.
Often appears as...
- first among equals principle
- first among equals decision-making
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
phrase
A person or thing having equal rank with others but considered first in importance or position.
In the meeting, the CEO insisted that he was first among equals.
Often appears as...
- considered first among equals
- seen as first among equals
Usage tips
Formal
phrase
The title given to the Patriarch of Constantinople in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Patriarch of Constantinople is known as the first among equals.
Usage tips
Formal
Religious
phrase
A principle applied to decision-making processes where all participants have an equal say but one person holds more weight or influence.
In our club, we use a first among equals decision-making process.
Often appears as...
- first among equals principle
- first among equals decision-making
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Leadership Nuance
Indicates someone with a subtle higher status in a group despite all being 'equal'.
The chairperson was the first among equals in the board's hierarchy.
Pro Tip 2/3Respect and Influence
Shows extra respect or influence without explicit authority over others.
As the team's most experienced player, she was first among equals.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Superiority
Suggests a form of unspoken superiority in terms of wisdom or contribution.
Although all partners were equal, he was first among equals in negotiations.
Pro Tip 1/3Leadership Nuance
Indicates someone with a subtle higher status in a group despite all being 'equal'.
The chairperson was the first among equals in the board's hierarchy.
Pro Tip 2/3Respect and Influence
Shows extra respect or influence without explicit authority over others.
As the team's most experienced player, she was first among equals.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Superiority
Suggests a form of unspoken superiority in terms of wisdom or contribution.
Although all partners were equal, he was first among equals in negotiations.
Pro Tip 1/3Leadership Nuance
Indicates someone with a subtle higher status in a group despite all being 'equal'.
The chairperson was the first among equals in the board's hierarchy.
Pro Tip 2/3Respect and Influence
Shows extra respect or influence without explicit authority over others.
As the team's most experienced player, she was first among equals.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Superiority
Suggests a form of unspoken superiority in terms of wisdom or contribution.
Although all partners were equal, he was first among equals in negotiations.
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