Dominator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dominator

[ˈdɒmɪneɪtə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in sports

A player or team that completely dominates the competition, often by a wide margin. The dominator is the clear favorite to win the championship.

Synonyms

champion, leader, winner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dominator	Used to describe someone or something that completely controls or prevails over others, often with a negative connotation. The company became the dominator of the tech industry, stifling competition. He was seen as a dominator on the field, rarely giving others a chance to shine.
champion	Best used to describe someone who has won a competition or is fighting for a cause. It can also have positive connotations of support and advocacy. She became the national chess champion after years of practice. He is a champion of human rights, always advocating for those in need.
winner	Best used to describe someone who has won a contest, game, or competition. It can denote simple success without the connotations of control or authority. He was the winner of the annual marathon. Her innovative project made her the winner of the science fair.
leader	Used for someone who guides, directs, or inspires others, typically in a positive or neutral sense. The CEO is a respected leader within the company. As a team leader, she coordinates all project activities and ensures deadlines are met.

Examples of usage

The basketball team was the dominator of the league, winning every game by at least 20 points.
Serena Williams was the dominator of women's tennis for many years, winning multiple Grand Slam titles.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in social situations

A person who asserts authority or control over others in a group setting. The dominator tends to monopolize conversations and decision-making.

Synonyms

boss, controller, leader.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dominator	This word is often used in a negative context to describe someone who tries to dominate others in an aggressive or overbearing way. He acted like the dominator of the group, ignoring everyone's opinions.
leader	Best used in a positive context to describe someone who guides, inspires, or directs a group or organization towards a common goal. A leader is often seen as motivational and supportive. She is a natural leader, always inspiring her team to do their best. Our leader introduced a new strategy for the project.
controller	Often used in financial or organizational contexts to refer to someone who manages financial operations or oversees regulations and compliance. It can also imply a person who likes to control situations or people, which might carry a negative connotation. The controller reviewed the company’s annual budget. He's such a controller, always checking up on everyone's work.
boss	Typically used in a workplace setting to refer to someone who is in charge of employees or staff. It can sometimes have a slightly informal or casual tone. My boss gave me a new project to work on. Can you ask the boss if we can leave early today?

Examples of usage

John always wants to be the dominator in our group discussions, never letting others share their opinions.
The dominator in the office meeting made all the decisions without considering input from the team.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

In social dynamics, individuals labeled as dominators often display assertiveness and control in group settings.
Research in psychology indicates that dominators can influence group decisions and behaviors through their confidence and authority.
The 'Dominance Hierarchy' in animal behavior studies shows how certain individuals establish social order, which can mirror human interactions.

Pop Culture

In various TV shows and films, characters that are portrayed as dominators often serve as antagonists, showcasing the struggle between power and morality.
The 'Dominator' role is common in competitive sports, where athletes are frequently labeled as such when they outperform others significantly.
Video games often use the term 'dominator' to refer to powerful characters or setups that overrun their opponents.

Literature

In literature, dominators are frequently depicted as complex characters whose desire for control leads to tragic consequences.
Classic literature, like Shakespeare's works, often features dominator characters that manipulate others for personal gain.
The idea of dominators in dystopian novels often portrays a society under strict control, leading to themes of rebellion and resistance.

History

Throughout history, empires were often led by dominators who expanded their territories through conquest and subjugation.
Figures like Genghis Khan and Julius Caesar are considered dominators due to their vast empires and influential control over military and political realms.
The concept of dominators in society has evolved, with modern interpretations focusing on leadership styles rather than mere authoritarianism.

Origin of 'dominator'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Latin 'dominari', meaning 'to rule', which highlights its roots in authority.
It was first used in English in the late 16th century to describe persons or entities that exert dominance.
Related words include 'dominate' and 'dominant', emphasizing control and power.

The word 'dominator' originates from the Latin word 'dominare', meaning 'to rule'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe someone or something that exercises control or influence over others. The term has evolved to encompass various fields, from sports to social dynamics, reflecting the concept of domination and superiority.