Dominance

Definition

Dominance refers to the power and influence exercised by an individual, group, or entity over others. It can also refer to superiority or control in various contexts, such as biology, economics, or social hierarchies.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdɑːmɪnəns/
• Respelling: DAH-mi-nuhns

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdɒmɪnəns/
• Respelling: DOM-i-nuhns

The pronunciation of "dominance" differs slightly between American and British English, with variations in vowel sounds.

Etymology

The word "dominance" originates from the Latin word "dominari," meaning "to rule" or "to dominate." The root "dominus" means "lord" or "master." The term evolved in Middle English as "dominacioun" and later became "dominance" in modern usage.

Derivatives

• Dominate (verb)
• Dominant (adjective)
• Dominator (noun)
• Dominion (noun)
• Domination (noun)

Synonyms

• Control
• Supremacy
• Power

Antonyms

• Subordination
• Submission
• Inferiority

Usage

The term "dominance" is frequently used in various fields, including biology, economics, psychology, and social sciences. In biology, it refers to the dominance of certain traits in genetics or the hierarchical position of an organism within a group. In social contexts, it describes the influence one individual or group holds over another. In economics, it is used to describe market control.

Related Terms

• Authority: The power to influence or control behavior or actions.
• Hierarchy: A system where people or groups are ranked according to status or authority.
• Influence: The capacity to have an effect on the behavior or decisions of others.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The state or quality of having control or authority over others: Refers to the power or superiority that one holds in a given situation.
  • Example: "The lion’s dominance in the pride was unquestionable."
• In genetics, the property of one allele to mask the expression of another: Refers to the dominance of certain genes over others.
  • Example: "The dominant allele determines the phenotype in cases of dominance."
• In market contexts, the control of a significant portion of a market by a single entity: Describes a company's power over competitors in the marketplace.
  • Example: "The company’s dominance in the technology sector was unrivaled."