Dominate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dominate

[หˆdษ’mษชneษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in a competitive situation

to have control or power over someone or something. To be the most important or powerful. To win easily against someone. To be the best or most successful.

Synonyms

command, control, excel, outperform, overpower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dominate

Used when one entity has overwhelming influence or power over another. Often used in competitive or hierarchical contexts such as business, sports, or politics.

  • The team dominated the league this season
  • The tech giant continues to dominate the market
control

Refers to the ability to manage or regulate something. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from personal discipline to technical systems. May have a negative connotation if it indicates excessive regulation.

  • He learned to control his temper
  • The new system gives us better control over the process
command

Implying authority and respect, often used in military or leadership contexts. It suggests issuing orders and expecting them to be followed.

  • The general commands his troops with confidence
  • She commands the meeting with her strong presence
overpower

Indicates using force to overcome someone or something, often suggesting physical strength or intense effort. Can have a negative connotation if it implies aggression or excessive force.

  • They managed to overpower their opponents in the final minutes
  • The strong scent of the flowers overpowered the room
outperform

Used when comparing performance levels and indicating superior performance in a specific area. Common in business, sports, and academic contexts.

  • Our company is outperforming its competitors
  • The athlete has consistently outperformed her peers
excel

Indicates exceptional performance or proficiency in an area. Often used in educational, professional, or personal achievement contexts.

  • She excels in mathematics
  • They excelled at the competition

Examples of usage

  • He dominated the race from start to finish.
  • She dominates the business world with her innovative ideas.
  • The champion dominated his opponent in the final match.
  • The team continues to dominate the league with their unbeatable performance.
  • The company dominates the market with its cutting-edge technology.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In social interactions, individuals often strive to dominate conversations to assert influence or control the outcome.
  • Research shows that those who dominate typically possess higher confidence levels, impacting their leadership abilities.
  • Dominance can be expressed through nonverbal cues, such as posture, eye contact, and tone of voice.

Sports

  • In competitive sports, a 'dominant' team is one that consistently outperforms its opponents, showcasing superior skill and strategy.
  • Athletes often employ mental techniques to maintain dominance during high-pressure situations, like visualization and positive self-talk.
  • The term 'dominate' is frequently used to describe outstanding performances, such as a player scoring most points in a game.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and television, villains often 'dominate' their environments, showcasing their power through fear or manipulation.
  • Many successful music artists have tracks that discuss themes of dominance, reflecting their journey to success and control over their careers.
  • The rise of social media influencers showcases a new form of dominance, where popularity translates into authority online.

Language and Communication

  • The concept of dominance also applies in linguistic settings, where certain dialects or languages can dominate in specific regions or contexts.
  • In debate, dominating an argument often involves presenting strong evidence and a commanding delivery style.
  • Rhetorical strategies can be employed to dominate discussions, including the use of persuasive language and emotional appeals.

Origin of 'dominate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dominate' comes from the Latin 'dominari,' meaning 'to rule or control.'
  • Its root 'dominus' translates to 'lord' or 'master' in English, suggesting strong authority.
  • The term has been used in the English language since the late 14th century, often related to power dynamics.

The word 'dominate' originates from the Latin word 'dominatus', which means 'to rule or govern'. It has been used in the English language since the late 16th century. The concept of dominance has been prevalent in various aspects of human society, from politics to sports. The ability to dominate indicates power, authority, and influence over others.


See also: dominantly, dominated, dominating, domination, indomitable.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,546 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.