commanding
Commanding (adj) means having an air of authority; impressive and dominant. Example: “He had a commanding presence that filled the whole room.”
How to use commanding
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAuthoritative and impressive, or (of a position) high up and dominant.
Word forms
more commanding comparative, commandings plural, most commanding superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He had a _____ presence that filled the whole room.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for commanding
Frequently asked questions
What does “commanding” mean?
The word “commanding” means having an air of authority; impressive and dominant. In plain terms, authoritative and impressive, or (of a position) high up and dominant.
How do you pronounce “commanding”?
“Commanding” is pronounced kuh-MAHN-dihng (/kəˈmændɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “commanding” in a sentence?
Here is “commanding” used in a sentence: “He had a commanding presence that filled the whole room.”
What part of speech is “commanding”?
“Commanding” is an adjective.
Is “commanding” a common word?
“Commanding” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “commanding” have?
“Commanding” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having an air of authority; impressive and dominant.
What is the difference between commanding and authoritative?
Commanding describes an air of authority that is impressive and dominant, often referring to presence, tone, or position, while authoritative more specifically suggests reliability, expertise, or the right to be obeyed. A commanding voice sounds powerful and controlling, while an authoritative source is trusted because of its expertise.
How is commanding used to describe a view or location?
Commanding can describe a high or dominant position that offers a wide view or advantage, such as a commanding view from a hilltop or a commanding position in a competition. This sense is about physical or strategic dominance rather than personality.
Is commanding used to describe both people and places?
Yes, commanding applies to people, such as a commanding presence or commanding tone, and to places or positions, such as a commanding view or commanding lead, always conveying dominance or impressive authority.