What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dominant
Example
The dominant political party won the election. [dominant: adjective]
Example
Her dominant personality made her a natural leader. [dominant: adjective]
Example
The dominant gene for brown eyes is expressed over the recessive gene for blue eyes. [dominant: noun]
predominant
Example
The predominant language spoken in this region is Spanish. [predominant: adjective]
Example
The predominant cause of climate change is human activity. [predominant: adjective]
Example
The predominant color in this painting is blue. [predominant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Predominant is more commonly used than dominant in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to various contexts. Dominant is more specific and is often used in the context of biology or social hierarchy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dominant and predominant?
Both dominant and predominant are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional settings. However, dominant may be perceived as more technical or specialized due to its association with biology and genetics.
