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dominant

[ˈdɒmɪnənt]

dominant Definition

  • 1most important, powerful, or influential
  • 2exercising control or influence over others

Using dominant: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dominant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The dominant culture in this region is Hispanic.

  • Example

    She has a dominant personality and likes to be in charge.

  • Example

    The dominant hand is usually stronger than the non-dominant one.

  • Example

    The dominant gene determines the physical characteristics of the offspring.

dominant Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dominant

Antonyms for dominant

Idioms Using dominant

  • hold sway (over) someone/something

    have great power or influence over someone or something

    Example

    The CEO holds sway over the company's decisions.

  • be in charge or have control over a group or situation

    Example

    Ever since he was promoted, he thinks he can rule the roost.

  • call the shots

    be in a position of authority and make important decisions

    Example

    As the team captain, she gets to call the shots during the game.

Phrases with dominant

  • dominant species

    a species that is more numerous or has more biomass than any other species in an ecological community

    Example

    Humans are the dominant species on Earth.

  • a chord built on the dominant note of a musical scale, often used to create tension and resolve to the tonic chord

    Example

    The song ends with a dominant chord, creating a sense of anticipation for the next verse.

  • the eye that is more effective at focusing on objects, used to aim accurately in activities like archery or shooting

    Example

    He is right-handed but left-eye dominant, so he has to adjust his aim when shooting a gun.

Origins of dominant

from Latin 'dominare', meaning 'to rule'

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Summary: dominant in Brief

The term 'dominant' [ˈdɒmɪnənt] refers to the most important, powerful, or influential element in a situation. It can describe a person's personality, a physical characteristic, or a gene. Examples include 'The dominant culture in this region is Hispanic.' and 'The dominant gene determines the physical characteristics of the offspring.' Idioms like 'hold sway (over) someone/something,' 'rule the roost,' and 'call the shots' describe the power dynamic of being dominant.

How do native speakers use this expression?