For the cognitive bias sometimes known as the "primus inter pares effect", see illusory superiority.

 Historically, the princeps senatus of the Roman Senate was such a figure and initially bore only the distinction that he was allowed to speak first during debate. After the fall of the Republic, Roman emperors originally referred to themselves only as princeps despite having enormous power.

Primus inter pares is a Latin phrase meaning first among equals.^[a] It is typically used as an honorary title for someone who is formally equal to other members of their group but is accorded unofficial respect, traditionally owing to their seniority in office.