dominant

[ˈdɒmɪnənt]

dominant Definition

• 1. most important, powerful, or influential
• 2. exercising 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

• ruling
• governing
• controlling
• predominant
• supreme

Antonyms for dominant

• subordinate
• minor
• submissive

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.

• rule the roost

  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.

• dominant chord

  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.

• dominant eye

  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.