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Meaning of Word

Dominant refers to something that has the most influence, control, or power in a particular context. It can describe the leading or most significant factor, entity, or trait within a system, group, or environment.

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Most important or powerful: Describes something or someone that holds the highest position or influence within a group, structure, or situation.
2. In genetics, the trait that overpowers others: Refers to an allele or gene that expresses its effect even when only one copy is present, overpowering the effect of a recessive allele.
3. Commanding in position or size: Used to describe a physical feature or entity that is larger, more visible, or more prominent than others.

History and Origin

The word “dominant” comes from the Latin word dominari, meaning “to rule” or “to control.” It has been used since the 16th century to describe a person or force that holds control over others. Over time, its usage expanded beyond human authority to describe power dynamics in nature, genetics, and other areas.

Detailed Explanation

Dominant can be applied in various contexts:

• In Social Contexts: Someone who is described as dominant in a social situation is typically in control, assertive, or influential over others. For example, a dominant leader in a group may be the one who makes decisions and directs activities.
• In Genetics: A dominant allele is one that masks the effect of a recessive allele in the inheritance of traits. For instance, if a person inherits a dominant allele for brown eyes and a recessive allele for blue eyes, the person will have brown eyes.
• In Nature or Biology: A dominant species is one that has a major impact or control over its environment, such as an apex predator at the top of the food chain.
• In Music: In a musical context, the dominant chord is the one that creates tension and usually resolves to the tonic (the main chord), playing a critical role in harmonic progressions.

Example Sentences

1. The lion is the dominant predator in the savanna ecosystem.
2. She has a dominant personality that often leads the conversation in group settings.
3. The dominant gene for brown eyes will overshadow the gene for blue eyes in the offspring.
4. The company became dominant in the tech market due to its innovative products.
5. In this study, the dominant factor influencing health outcomes was diet, not exercise.
6. The dominant color of the painting is red, which draws the viewer’s attention.
7. Despite the competition, his dominant performance at the event earned him first place.
8. The dominant culture of the region influenced the food, language, and traditions of the area.
9. The dominant chord in the song creates a sense of anticipation before resolving to the tonic.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Leading – Refers to something or someone at the forefront, often in influence or importance.
2. Predominant – The most common or noticeable element, similar to dominant in terms of being the most influential.
3. Supreme – Having the highest authority or rank, closely related to being dominant.
4. Principal – The most important or primary factor in a situation, similar to dominant in its central role.
5. Powerful – Having great influence or control, often used to describe a dominant force or entity.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Authority – The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience, often related to being dominant.
2. Control – The ability to direct or influence behaviors or events, often exercised by dominant figures or forces.
3. Influence – The capacity to have an effect on the character or behavior of someone or something, linked to dominance.
4. Strength – Physical or metaphorical power, often a characteristic of something dominant in nature.
5. Hierarchy – A system in which people or things are ranked according to importance or power, often showing dominance at the top.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Dominant Trait – A genetic trait that is expressed in an organism even if only one copy of the gene is inherited.
2. Dominant Species – A species that has a large influence or control in its ecosystem, often due to its size, numbers, or predatory behavior.
3. Dominant Role – The central or most influential position within a group, organization, or relationship.
4. Dominant Force – A major source of influence or power in a particular field or situation.
5. Dominant Personality – A person who has a strong, commanding presence or influence over others in social or professional settings.

Antonyms

1. Submissive – A person or trait that is inclined to submit or yield to others, opposite of dominant.
2. Inferior – Lower in rank, quality, or importance, contrary to something dominant.
3. Weak – Lacking strength or power, which contrasts with dominance.
4. Passive – Lacking initiative or control, the opposite of a dominant or assertive attitude.
5. Secondary – Less important or influential, opposite of dominant in terms of priority or impact.