dominant Definition
- 1most important, powerful, or influential
- 2exercising 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
- controlling
- ruling
- governing
- supreme
- predominant
Antonyms for dominant
- submissive
- subordinate
- minor
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'
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.
