verb

dominate

DOM-ih-nayt

verb

To have controlling power or influence over someone or something.

"The home team dominated the match from the very first minute."

"She dominated the negotiation, dictating almost every term."

To be the most noticeable or important feature in a place or situation.

"A huge oak tree dominates the village green."

"Housing costs dominated the election debate."

How to Use Dominate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo be clearly in control, or to be the biggest and most obvious thing in a scene or situation.

Common mistake

"Dominate" is the verb (to dominate); "dominant" is the adjective describing something that dominates.

Easily confused with

dominant →

Common pairings

dominate the market dominate a conversation dominate the skyline

more dominate comparative, dominated past tense, dominates plural, dominates singular, most dominate superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

The home team _____ the match from the very first minute.

From Latin dominari, "to rule, to be lord and master," from dominus, "lord" — the same root behind "dominion" and "domain."

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate