dominance

/ˈdɑːmɪnəns/

Say it: DOM-uh-nuhns

1. noun Power and influence over others, especially in a social, political, or economic context.
The company achieved market dominance through aggressive pricing and acquisitions.
2. noun The state of being the most important, successful, or powerful in a particular field or competition.
Her decade of dominance in the sport is unlikely to ever be matched.
3. noun In biology and psychology, a high-ranking status in a social group that is often maintained by aggression or specific behaviors.
The alpha wolf asserts its dominance over the rest of the pack.
4. noun In genetics, the quality of an allele that is expressed in the phenotype, masking the effect of a recessive allele.
The gene for brown eyes shows dominance over the gene for blue eyes.

📖 Seen in the wild

The company's market dominance allowed it to dictate prices and terms to its competitors.
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✏️ dominance in a sentence

The political party's dominance in the region has been challenged in recent years.
He has a need to establish dominance in every professional relationship.
The cultural dominance of English is visible in international business and science.
In many bird species, males display their dominance through elaborate songs and colorful plumage.
The second half of the game was a pure display of their team's physical dominance.
The study explored the relationship between social dominance and risk-taking behavior.
For centuries, the empire maintained its dominance through military might and strategic alliances.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

supremacy ascendancy preeminence control power authority sway prevalence mastery

supremacy · implies total, unrivaled authority, often in a competitive setting.

ascendancy · suggests a rising or growing power, often achieved gradually over time.

preeminence · highlights being the most outstanding or distinguished, usually due to superior quality or merit.

control · is a more direct and general term for exercising power over something or someone.

Opposites: subservience, submission, inferiority, passivity, subordination

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'dominance' traces its roots to the Latin word 'dominus', meaning 'lord' or 'master'. It entered English in the early 19th century through the adjective 'dominant', which came from the French 'dominant'. The core idea of mastery and control has remained central to its meaning ever since.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

establish dominanceassert dominancemarket dominancecultural dominancesocial dominance hierarchy

'Dominance' describes a state of control or superiority. It is often confused with 'leadership', but they are not the same. 'Dominance' implies power over others, which can be achieved through force or position, while 'leadership' suggests influence with others, often earned through trust and respect. Using 'dominance' can carry a negative connotation of aggression or suppression, so be mindful of the context.

Word family: dominate, dominant, domination, predominance, predominant

💬 Quick answers

What does dominance mean?

Dominance refers to a state of power, control, or influence over others. The term is used in various contexts, including business, social hierarchies, sports, and genetics.

What is the difference between dominance and supremacy?

Dominance is having power or control, while supremacy is the state of being superior to all others, often implying unrivaled and absolute authority. Supremacy is a more extreme or total form of dominance.

Is dominance a negative word?

It can be. While the word is neutral in scientific contexts, in social or political discussions it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting forceful or oppressive control.

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