Commanding: meaning, definitions and examples

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commanding

[kəˈmændɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

authority

having the authority to give orders and make decisions

Synonyms

authoritarian, authoritative, dominant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
commanding	Used to describe someone who has a strong presence and easily takes control of a situation. Often denotes a sense of respect linked to leadership qualities. She had a commanding presence in the boardroom His commanding voice quieted the crowd instantly
authoritative	Describes someone who is confident and knowledgeable, often invoked in contexts where expertise and reliability are important. Indicates respect and trust. She is an authoritative figure in the field of economics His authoritative tone during the lecture kept everyone engaged
dominant	Implies a position of power and control, often in a way that overshadows others. Can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on context. In the animal kingdom, the dominant male often leads the group His dominant personality can sometimes be overwhelming in team meetings
authoritarian	Refers to a strict and controlling manner, often with an emphasis on obedience. Carries a negative connotation implying a lack of personal freedom. The new policies are very authoritarian and restrict personal freedoms He runs his household in an authoritarian manner, allowing no room for dissent

Examples of usage

a commanding officer
a commanding presence in the room

^{Context #2 | Verb}

attention

having a dominant presence that attracts attention and respect

Synonyms

compelling, domineering, imposing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
commanding	Used to describe someone who has a strong, authoritative presence or who is in a position of authority. Often refers to leadership qualities. She spoke with a commanding voice that made everyone listen. The general gave a commanding order to the troops.
compelling	Typically used to describe something that evokes interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way. Can also refer to persuasive arguments or evidence. The lawyer presented compelling evidence that could not be ignored. His story was so compelling that no one could turn away.
domineering	Has a negative connotation and is used to describe someone who asserts their will over others in an overbearing or controlling manner. Her domineering behavior drove her colleagues away. He had a domineering attitude that made it difficult to work with him.
imposing	Refers to having an impressive appearance or personality that stands out and demands respect. Often used in reference to physical appearance or presence. The courtroom was an imposing structure with tall columns. She made an imposing figure with her height and confident demeanor.

Examples of usage

Her performance was so commanding that everyone was captivated
He has a commanding voice that demands attention

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'commandare,' which means to order or entrust.
It evolved in Middle English to refer to the act of giving orders or instructions.
Related words include 'demanding' and 'mandate,' both of which imply a strong request or command.

Psychology

Studies show that people perceive individuals with commanding presence as more competent and trustworthy.
Body language plays a vital role in being seen as commanding; tall posture and strong eye contact help convey authority.
Research indicates that voice tone can influence how commanding someone sounds, with lower pitches often evoking more respect.

Leadership

Effective leaders often exhibit a commanding presence to inspire and motivate their followers.
Military training emphasizes the importance of a commanding voice to ensure orders are understood and executed.
Many successful public figures are noted for their commanding speaking style, which draws attention and builds influence.

Cultural Examples

In movies, characters with a commanding demeanor often drive the plot, like leaders or authority figures.
Throughout history, figures such as Winston Churchill and Martin Luther King Jr. are remembered for their commanding speeches that rallied people.
In literature, commanding characters often play the role of heroes or villains, influencing the story through their presence and decisions.

Pop Culture

In music, artists known for commanding performances, like Beyoncé and Freddie Mercury, captivate audiences with their strong stage presence.
In video games, players often encounter characters designed to be commanding, like generals or kings who lead armies.
Television shows often portray commanding figures in power, like CEOs or officials, illustrating the impact of strong leadership.

Translations

Translations of the word "commanding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comandando

🇮🇳 आज्ञा देना

🇩🇪 befehlen

🇮🇩 memerintah

🇺🇦 наказуючий

🇵🇱 dowodzenie

🇯🇵 指揮する

🇫🇷 commandant

🇪🇸 mandando

🇹🇷 emreden

🇰🇷 지휘

🇸🇦 قيادة

🇨🇿 velet

🇸🇰 veľenie

🇨🇳 指挥

🇸🇮 poveljujoč

🇮🇸 skipandi

🇰🇿 бұйрық беру

🇬🇪 ბრძანება

🇦🇿 əmr etmək

🇲🇽 mandando

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,557 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5554 dawn
5555 lasted
5556 profiles
5557 commanding
5558 popularity
5559 appendix
5560 obey
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