C1noun2K

Domain

UK /["/dəˈmeɪn//dəʊˈmeɪn/"]/US /["/dəʊˈmeɪn/"]/

Definition

an area of knowledge or activity; especially one that somebody is responsible for

In simple words: An area of knowledge or activity.

Examples

  • Financial matters are her domain.
  • Physics used to be very much a male domain.
  • things that happen outside the domain of the home
  • top-level domains
  • The Spice Islands were within the Spanish domains.

Usage notes

Used in both academic and professional contexts. In a business setting, it refers to a field of work. Avoid using in casual, everyday conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'domain' as a 'dome' that covers a specific area of knowledge.

Collocations

  • private
  • public
  • Internet
  • name
  • registration
  • in a/​the domain
  • within a/​the domain
  • outside a/​the domain
  • private
  • public
  • Internet
  • name
  • registration
  • in a/​the domain
  • within a/​the domain
  • outside a/​the domain

Synonyms

  • field
  • area
  • sector
  • realm
  • discipline

Antonyms

  • range
  • scope
  • field of ignorance

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'demand'
  • Using 'domain' to refer to physical places instead of areas of knowledge
  • Incorrectly pluralizing as 'domains' when discussing a single area