dominate
/ˈdɒm.ɪ.neɪt/- 1.
To have great power or control over a person, group, or situation. The word suggests a strong, often forceful influence that others find hard to resist or escape.
- A few large tech companies dominate the global smartphone market.
- He tends to dominate every meeting with his strong opinions.
- The visiting team dominated the match from the first minute.
- 2.
To be the largest, tallest, or most noticeable feature in a place or scene. Used to describe physical presence or visual impact.
- A massive ancient fort dominates the city's skyline.
- The topic of climate change dominated the front pages all week.
Adinary Nuance
"Dominate" sits in a cluster with "control," "rule," and "overshadow" — but each carries a different weight. "Control" is more neutral and can even be positive (self-control, traffic control), while "dominate" always implies overpowering someone or something else. "Rule" usually suggests official or legal authority — you rule a country, but you dominate a competitor. "Overshadow" focuses on blocking attention rather than exerting force. Choose "dominate" when you want to signal that one thing is crushing, overwhelming, or far ahead of everything else — it is the go-to word in academic and IELTS writing for describing market leaders, empires, or top athletes.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Thống trị
- Spanish
- Dominar
- Chinese
- 支配
- Japanese
- 支配する
- Korean
- 지배하다
Etymology
From Latin "dominari" (to rule, be lord of), rooted in "dominus" meaning lord or master. The word entered English in the early 17th century and has since expanded from political rule to sports, business, and everyday speech.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'dominate' and 'control'?
- 'Control' is more neutral and can even be positive — for example, 'control your emotions' or 'quality control.' 'Dominate' is stronger and always means one side is overpowering the other. Use 'dominate' when you want to show a clear, forceful advantage.
- Is 'dominate' a good word to use in IELTS writing?
- Yes, it is an excellent academic word. It appears frequently in IELTS Task 2 essays about business, politics, technology, and history. Phrases like 'dominate the market' or 'dominate global trade' sound natural and score well.
- What is the noun form of 'dominate'?
- The main noun forms are 'dominance' (the state of being dominant) and 'domination' (the act of dominating). 'Dominance' is more common in academic writing — for example, 'the dominance of English in global business.'
- Can 'dominate' describe a physical space, not just power?
- Yes. You can say a building, mountain, or statue 'dominates' a skyline or landscape. This means it is so large or tall that it is the first thing you notice. This usage is common in geography and travel writing.