dominant
dominant
Pronunciation
IPA: /ˈdɒmɪnənt/
Syllable Breakdown:
dom- /dɒm/: The "o" is a short vowel sound, similar to the "o" in "hot." The "m" is a bilabial nasal consonant.
-i- /ɪ/: The "i" is a short vowel sound, similar to the "i" in "in."
-nant /nənt/: The "n" is an alveolar nasal consonant. The "a" is a schwa sound, a reduced vowel sound. The final "nt" is a consonant cluster.
Word Form Variations
Adjective: dominant
Noun: dominance (uncountable), dominant (countable)
Adverb: dominantly
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Having power, influence, or control over others.
Synonyms: commanding, prevailing, authoritative, controlling, supreme, preeminent
Antonyms: subordinate, subservient, minor, secondary, submissive, yielding
Being the most prominent, important, or numerous element in a group or system.
Synonyms: principal, main, chief, primary, predominant, major
Antonyms: minor, secondary, subordinate, negligible, insignificant, peripheral
(Genetics) Referring to an allele that expresses its phenotype even when only one copy is present in the genotype.
Synonyms: expressive, manifest
Antonyms: recessive, latent
Noun
A person, group, or thing that is in a position of power or influence.
Synonyms: leader, ruler, master, chief, superior
Antonyms: subordinate, follower, inferior, subject
(Ecology) A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem, often by being the most abundant or having the highest biomass.
Synonyms: keystone species (in some contexts), apex predator (in some contexts), leading species
Antonyms: minor species, understory species, subordinate species
Examples of Use
Books
In "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, the Gilead regime exerts dominant control over the lives of women, stripping them of their rights and freedoms.
The novel "Dune" by Frank Herbert features the Harkonnen family as a dominant power in the galactic feudal system, often clashing with other great houses for control of the spice melange.
Newspapers and Online Publications
"The tech sector has become the dominant force in the global economy, with a handful of companies wielding immense influence over finance and culture." (The Wall Street Journal, July 2024)
"In a surprising turn of events, the underdog team established a dominant lead in the final quarter, securing a landslide victory." (ESPN, May 2024)
A recent article on climate change highlighted that pine trees are a dominant species in the Boreal Forest, but are increasingly threatened by pests and rising temperatures.
Entertainment and Media
In the film "The Lion King," Scar's dominant male status is challenged and ultimately overthrown by Simba, leading to the restoration of the Pride Lands.
The HBO series "Succession" depicts the fierce battle for control of a global media empire, with various family members vying for the dominant position.
On a popular gaming live stream, a player's dominant strategy for winning a match was to control the central area of the map, giving them an advantage over their opponents.
General Public Discourse
"He has a very dominant personality and tends to take charge in any group setting."
"The company's new product has become the dominant choice for consumers looking for a durable, affordable phone."
"In our discussion about the project, her viewpoint was the most dominant and ultimately swayed the team's decision."
"You can see how the color red is the dominant shade in this painting, drawing your eye to the center."
10 Famous Quotes Using Dominant
"Our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts." (Søren Kierkegaard)
"A strong man doesn't have to be dominant toward a woman. He doesn't match his strength against a woman weak with love for him. He matches it against the world." (Marilyn Monroe)
"It is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today." (Isaac Asimov)
"The strongest and most effective force in guaranteeing the long-term maintenance of power is not violence... but consent in all the forms in which the dominated acquiesce in their own domination." (Robert Frost)
"If those in charge of our society... can dominant our ideas, they will be secure in their power." (Howard Zinn)
"You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration." (James Lane Allen)
"The dominant feeling of the battlefield is loneliness." (William Slim)
"We have no desire to dominant, no ambitions of empire." (George W. Bush)
"Britain kept its position as the dominant world power well into the 20th century despite steady decline." (Noam Chomsky)
"Real masculinity is not dominant the weak; real masculinity is empowering the weak." (Anthony Gucciardi)
Etymology
The word "dominant" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word dominari, which means "to rule," "to be a master," or "to have power." This is also the source of the word dominus, meaning "master" or "lord."
The English word "dominant" was first used in the 15th century, and its earliest meaning was very similar to its Latin root: "ruling," "governing," or "exercising control." Over time, the word's meaning broadened to include not just having political or social power, but also being the most influential, prominent, or noticeable thing in a group or situation. The scientific and genetic meanings came much later, building on the idea of one trait "ruling" or prevailing over another.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Dominant
Dominant hand: The hand a person uses for most tasks, such as writing.
Dominant eye: The eye that provides a person with a more accurate and precise visual input, particularly when aiming.
Dominant culture: The culture of a group that is in power or holds the most influence in a society.
Dominant species: In ecology, the species that is the most abundant or has the greatest influence on its environment.
Dominant thought: A recurring or central idea that preoccupies a person's mind.
To take a dominant position: To assume a position of leadership or control.
Dominant narrative: The main or most widely accepted story or viewpoint on a topic.
Dominant personality: A person who tends to lead, take charge, or assert their will in social situations.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of dominant from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
