What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
possessive
Example
He's so possessive of his girlfriend that he won't let her talk to other guys. [possessive: adjective]
Example
The possessive form of 'dog' is 'dog's'. [possessive: noun]
domineering
Example
My boss is so domineering that he never listens to anyone else's ideas. [domineering: adjective]
Example
She tried to be domineering during the meeting, but nobody was impressed. [domineering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Possessive is more commonly used than domineering in everyday language. Possessive can have a positive connotation in some contexts, while domineering is almost always negative.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between possessive and domineering?
Domineering is more formal and less common than possessive. It is typically used in more serious or professional contexts, while possessive can be used in both formal and informal situations.
