B2adjective2K

Dominant

UK /["/ˈdɒmɪnənt/"]/US /["/ˈdɑːmɪnənt/"]/

Definition

more important, powerful or easy to notice than other things

In simple words: having the most power or control

Examples

  • The firm has achieved a dominant position in the world market.
  • The dominant feature of the room was the large fireplace.
  • Banks have a dominant role in most countries' economies.
  • London is dominant within the UK economy.
  • No one group appears to be overwhelmingly dominant.
  • The state of the economy has been the dominant theme of the election.

Usage notes

Use 'dominant' in contexts like describing strong personalities, trends, or species. Avoid in overly casual conversations where simpler words like 'main' might suffice.

Grammar pattern

dominant + noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'dominion' where one ruler has all the power.

Collocations

  • be
  • seem
  • become
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • predominant
  • controlling
  • leading
  • overbearing

Antonyms

  • submissive
  • weak
  • inferior

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'dominance' which is a noun.
  • Omitting the noun that 'dominant' describes.
  • Using 'dominant' incorrectly as a noun.