first or primary; often used in 'prima donna' or 'prima facie'
from Latin prima meaning first, feminine form of primus
A 'prima donna' literally means 'first lady' - the leading female singer in an opera company!
Prima donna' emerged in 17th-century opera to denote the leading female singer, but became gendered slur implying women are temperamental and difficult—a stereotype never applied to lead male singers ('primo uomo').
Use 'prima' for leading role regardless of gender. Avoid 'prima donna' as insult; use 'temperamental performer' or 'demanding colleague' if describing behavior.
["lead performer","principal artist","lead role"]
Women singers built opera as an art form; many early prima donnas were virtuosos whose demands for quality reflected artistic excellence, not personality flaw.
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