Commands

/kəˈmændz/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

An instruction or order.

/kəˈmændz/

nounneutralBeginner
Action

An order given to someone to do something.

The general issued commands to his troops.

💡 Simply: A command is like a boss telling you what to do. Like, 'Command the robot to dance!' means tell the robot to dance.

👶 For kids: It's like telling someone what to do.

More Examples

2

The computer responded to the commands.

How It's Used

Military

"The captain gave the command to fire."

Computing

"The user typed a command to open the file."

2

To give an order or instruction.

/kəˈmændz/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To give an order or instruction to someone.

The teacher commanded silence.

💡 Simply: To command is to tell someone what to do with authority. Like, a teacher commands students to be quiet.

👶 For kids: To tell someone what to do.

More Examples

2

The situation commanded respect.

How It's Used

Leadership

"The manager commanded his team to finish the project by Friday."

General

"The situation commanded immediate attention."

Tip:Imagine a captain commanding a ship.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

in command

In control; in charge.

"The captain was in command of the ship."

From Old French 'commander' (to command), ultimately from Latin 'commandare' (to entrust, commit).

The word 'command' has consistently been used for centuries to denote authority and instruction, ranging from military contexts to more general directives.

Memory tip

Think of a commanding officer giving orders.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"to entrust, commit"

command respectcommand attentioncommand the army

Common misspellings

comanddscomandscommmands

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written