supremo
/soo-PREH-moh/
supreme
As an adjective, supremo means 'supreme,' referring to the highest rank or authority, like the crown on the highest peak.
supremo(adjective)
supreme
?highest rank or authority
,ultimate
?final or greatest
highest
?in terms of quality or power
,paramount
?most important
📝 In Action
Él es la autoridad suprema en este país.
B1He is the supreme authority in this country.
La paz es el bien supremo que buscamos.
B2Peace is the ultimate good we seek.
El sabor de este chocolate es supremo.
B1The flavor of this chocolate is supreme (excellent).
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
Since 'supremo' is an adjective, it must match the gender of the noun it describes. Use 'supremo' for masculine nouns and 'suprema' for feminine nouns (e.g., 'la ley suprema').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Placement
Mistake: "El supremo poder."
Correction: El poder supremo. While it can sometimes go before the noun for emphasis, it usually follows the noun it describes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Tone
Using 'supremo' often raises the level of formality in a sentence, making the meaning of 'highest' sound more formal or official than using 'más alto'.
When capitalized, El Tribunal Supremo refers to the Supreme Court, the highest judicial body, symbolized by the ultimate gavel.
supremo(noun)
Supreme Court
?when capitalized, referring to the highest judicial body
ultimate authority
?a person or council with the highest power
📝 In Action
La decisión del Supremo es inapelable.
C1The decision of the Supreme Court is final (cannot be appealed).
El Supremo dictaminó a favor de los ciudadanos.
C1The Supreme Council ruled in favor of the citizens.
💡 Grammar Points
Used with 'El'
When 'supremo' is used as a noun to mean the Supreme Court or the highest council, it is almost always preceded by the masculine article 'el' (El Supremo).
⭐ Usage Tips
Capitalization
In official Spanish writing, when referring specifically to a governing body (like the Supreme Court), 'Supremo' is often capitalized, just like titles in English.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: supremo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'supremo' in its noun form, referring to a governing body?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'supremo' used only for serious things like politics and law?
No. While it is common in formal contexts (like 'poder supremo'), you can also use 'supremo' casually to mean 'the very best' or 'excellent,' similar to saying 'ultimate' in English, especially when describing quality or experience.
What is the difference between 'supremo' and 'máximo'?
Both mean 'highest,' but 'supremo' usually implies the highest *rank* or *authority* (there is nothing above it), whereas 'máximo' often refers to the highest *quantity* or *degree* (the maximum amount).