Dominant
/ˈdɒmɪnənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving power and influence over others; most important, powerful, or controlling.
/ˈdɒmɪnənt/
Most important, powerful, or influential.
The dominant culture in the region is based on agriculture.
💡 Simply: Imagine a team in a game. If they're always winning and everyone's following their lead, they're the dominant team! It means they're the strongest and in control.
👶 For kids: Being the boss, the one in charge, or the biggest and strongest. Like the biggest dog at the dog park!
More Examples
The dominant player in the market is constantly innovating.
The dominant theme of the novel is love and loss.
How It's Used
"The dominant political party has held power for decades."
"The dominant gene determines the trait expressed in the phenotype."
In genetics, describing a gene that expresses its effect even when a different gene for the same characteristic is also present.
/ˈdɒmɪnənt/
Genetics: Of a gene: expressing its phenotypic effect even when only one copy is present.
The dominant allele for brown eyes masks the recessive allele for blue eyes.
💡 Simply: Imagine two sets of instructions (genes) for a trait, like eye color. If one instruction (the dominant gene) is super bossy, it decides the eye color, even if the other instruction (the recessive gene) wants to do something else.
👶 For kids: In the body, when something is strong and shows up in the way you look or act.
More Examples
The dominant gene for the disease means the child will have it.
The dominant allele can override the recessive allele.
How It's Used
"Brown eyes are a dominant trait in humans."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
dominant hand
The hand a person habitually uses for tasks; their preferred hand.
"She writes with her dominant hand."
From Latin *dominans*, present participle of *domināre* 'to rule, govern', from *dominus* 'lord, master'.
The word 'dominant' has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially referring to having power or rule.
Memory tip
Think of a king (the dominant figure) who rules over his kingdom.
Word Origin
"to rule, to have control"