Definition of dominate
dominated
;dominating
transitive verb
2 : to exert the supreme determining or guiding influence on the ambition that has dominated his life
3 : to overlook from a superior elevation or command because of superior height or position a hill that dominates the town
4a : to be predominant in sugar maples dominate the forestb : to have a commanding or preeminent place or position in name brands dominate the market
intransitive verb
1 : to have or exert mastery, control, or preeminence his desire to dominate a dominating factor in industrial growth
2 : to occupy a more elevated or superior position
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of dominate in a sentence
One company has dominated the market for years.
He dominated her life for many years.
His work dominated the art scene last year.
Our team dominated throughout the game.
Our team dominated play throughout the game.
Origin and Etymology of dominate
Latin dominatus, past participle of dominari, from dominus master; akin to Latin domus house — more at dome
First Known Use: 1611
DOMINATE Defined for English Language Learners
dominate
playDefinition of dominate for English Language Learners
-
: to have control of or power over (someone or something)
-
: to be the most important part of (something)
-
: to be much more powerful or successful than others in a game, competition, etc.
DOMINATE Defined for Kids
dominate
playDefinition of dominate for Students
dominated
;dominating
: to have a commanding position or controlling power over The mountain dominates the landscape.
Word Root of dominate
The Latin word dominus, meaning “master,” gives us the root domin. Words from the Latin dominus have something to do with being another's master. To dominate is to have power and control over as if being someone's master. A domain, or land under the control of a government, is a land with a particular master or ruler. Dominion is controlling power, similar to the power of a master over others.
Learn More about dominate
-
See words that rhyme with dominate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dominate Spanish Central: Translation of dominate Nglish: Translation of dominate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dominate for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dominate
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up dominate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!