Dominant

Definition

Dominant refers to having control, power, or authority over others. It can also describe something that is more important, noticeable, or influential compared to others. In genetics, it refers to a trait or gene that is expressed over a recessive trait.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun (in specific contexts such as genetics or music)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdɑːmɪnənt/
• Respelling: DAH-muh-nuhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdɒmɪnənt/
• Respelling: DOM-uh-nuhnt

The pronunciation of "dominant" differs slightly between American and British English, mainly in the first vowel sound.

Etymology

The word "dominant" originates from the Latin word "dominari," meaning "to rule or dominate," which comes from "dominus," meaning "lord" or "master." It entered the English language in the late 16th century, primarily to describe authority or control.

Derivatives

• Dominate (verb)
• Dominance (noun)
• Dominator (noun)
• Domination (noun)
• Predominant (adjective)

Synonyms

• Authoritative
• Powerful
• Commanding

Antonyms

• Submissive
• Weak
• Subordinate

Usage

The term "dominant" is commonly used in various fields, such as biology (to describe dominant genes or traits), social contexts (to describe someone with authority or influence), and music (to describe the fifth note in a diatonic scale). It is also used to describe anything that is the most prominent or powerful within a system or structure.

Related Terms

• Superior: Higher in rank, quality, or status.
• Prevalent: Widespread or commonly occurring.
• Influential: Having the power to affect or shape decisions and opinions.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Exercising control or influence over others: Refers to someone or something that holds authority or power.
  • Example: "She has a dominant position in the company."
• Most important or prominent: Describes something that stands out or is more significant than others.
  • Example: "The dominant color in the painting is blue."
• In genetics, a trait that masks a recessive trait: Refers to a gene that expresses itself over another gene.
  • Example: "Brown eyes are often a dominant trait."

Noun

• The dominant gene in a genetic pair: Refers to the gene that determines the trait in an organism.
  • Example: "The child inherited the dominant gene for curly hair."
• The fifth note of the diatonic scale in music: Refers to the note that is a perfect fifth above the tonic.
  • Example: "In the key of C major, G is the dominant.