French word

dominant

Pronunciation

IPA/dominɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectivedominant

Example

Il est dominant dans son équipe depuis des années.

He has been dominant on his team for years.

Illustration for dominant (dominant)

More examples

Le rôle dominant du facteur économique explique la décision.

The dominant role of the economic factor explains the decision.

Core concept

A figure who stands above the others in an interaction and repeatedly takes control of the exchange.

Common phrases

  • rôle dominant

    dominant role

  • facteur dominant

    dominant factor

Similar words

assertif: Openly stating opinions or demands in a calm, confident manner.
autoritaire: Insisting on one's own views or methods in a commanding way.
influent: Able to shape the opinions or decisions of people nearby.

Definition in French

Qui manifeste une attitude de supériorité ou cherche à dominer les autres dans les relations.

Word origin

Dominant entered French from the Latin present participle dominans, based on dominari, 'to rule', with its sense of superiority and control intact.

Usage tips

  • When dominant describes a person's behavior, it often carries a critical tone; assertif is more neutral for confident behavior.

Opposites

  • subordonnésubordinateadjective
  • soumissubmissiveadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word