Dominant

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈdɒmɪnənt/

Definitions

1. Having the most influence, control, or power over others in a particular context or situation
2. Exerting the greatest influence, authority, or control in a specific scenario or environment
3. Characterized by the highest level of power, influence, or control in a given context or relationship

Etymology: Dominant comes from Latin "dominari," meaning "to be lord or master," a verb built on "dominus," "lord" or "master." The verb was the source of the Middle French "dominant," which English borrowed in a form that kept the sense of ruling over others. Its earliest English uses were tied to power and authority, describing those who held rule over a territory or people. The adjective's meaning gradually loosened from actual lordship into the broader idea of being most prominent or influential. Today it is applied to anything that outweighs its rivals, from a political party to a colour in a painting. The word thus carries its Latin origin as a sense of mastery, even when it describes something as ordinary as a leading trait.

Synonyms: prevailing, controlling, chief, primary, leading

Antonyms: submissive, inferior, secondary, minor