What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dominative
Example
The CEO was known for his dominative leadership style. [dominative: adjective]
Example
She took on a dominative role in the group project, making sure everyone stayed on task. [dominative: noun]
bossy
Example
Stop being so bossy and let me make my own decisions. [bossy: adjective]
Example
He always acts bossy around his friends, trying to be in charge of everything. [bossy: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bossy is more commonly used than dominative in everyday language, especially in informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dominative and bossy?
While both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts, dominative is more likely to be used in professional or academic settings due to its neutral or positive connotation.