dominate
DOM-ih-nayt
Dominate (verb) means to have controlling power or influence over someone or something. Example: “One large company dominates the market and sets prices for everyone else.”
verb
1
To have controlling power or influence over someone or something.
"One large company dominates the market and sets prices for everyone else."
"The home team dominated the match from the very first minute."
"She dominated the negotiation, dictating almost every term."
2
To be the most noticeable or important feature in a place or situation.
"Tall mountains dominate the skyline on the north side of the town."
"A huge oak tree dominates the village green."
"Housing costs dominated the election debate."
How to use dominate
Learner’s notesIn 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
Common pairings
dominate the market
dominate a conversation
dominate the skyline
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Word forms
- Plural
- dominates
- Third person singular
- dominates
- Past tense
- dominated
- Comparative
- more dominate
- Superlative
- most dominate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
One large company _____ the market and sets prices for everyone else.
Etymology
From Latin dominari, "to rule, to be lord and master," from dominus, "lord" — the same root behind "dominion" and "domain."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for dominate
See all rhymes for dominate →Frequently asked questions
What does “dominate” mean?
The word “dominate” means to have controlling power or influence over someone or something. In plain terms, to be clearly in control, or to be the biggest and most obvious thing in a scene or situation.
How do you pronounce “dominate”?
“Dominate” is pronounced DOM-ih-nayt (/ˈdɑ.məˌneɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “dominate” in a sentence?
Here is “dominate” used in a sentence: “The home team dominated the match from the very first minute.”
What part of speech is “dominate”?
“Dominate” is a verb.
Where does the word “dominate” come from?
The word “dominate” comes from Latin. From Latin dominari, "to rule, to be lord and master," from dominus, "lord" — the same root behind "dominion" and "domain.".
Is “dominate” a common word?
“Dominate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “dominate” have?
“Dominate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to have controlling power or influence over someone or something.
What is the difference between 'dominate' and 'control'?
To control something is to direct or manage it, often in precise detail. To dominate is broader: it means to have overwhelming power, influence, or presence so that others are overshadowed. You can dominate a situation without controlling every detail of it.
What is the difference between 'dominate' and 'domineer'?
Both share the same root, but 'dominate' simply means to hold controlling power or to be the most prominent thing. 'Domineer' is always negative and means to boss others around in an arrogant, overbearing way. A team can dominate a match, but a person who domineers is unpleasant to be around.
What is the difference between 'dominate' and 'dominant'?
'Dominate' is the verb, meaning to have controlling power or to stand out most. 'Dominant' is the adjective describing something that holds that power, as in 'the dominant team.' In short, a dominant side is one that dominates.
When should you use 'dominate' instead of 'rule'?
Use 'rule' for formal, official authority, such as a monarch ruling a country. Use 'dominate' for overwhelming influence or prominence that need not be official, as when one company dominates a market or one colour dominates a room.
