Definition of 'commanding'

Word Frequency

commanding

(kəmɑːndɪŋ , -mænd-)

1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

If you are in a commanding position or situation, you are in a strong or powerful position or situation.

Right now you're in a more commanding position than you have been for ages.

The French vessel has a commanding lead.

Synonyms: dominant, controlling, dominating, superior More Synonyms of commanding

2. adjective

If you describe someone as commanding, you mean that they are powerful and confident.

[approval]

Lovett was a tall, commanding man with a waxed gray moustache.

The voice at the other end of the line was serious and commanding.

Synonyms: authoritative, imposing, impressive, compelling More Synonyms of commanding

3. graded adjective

If a building has a commanding position, it is high up and has good views of the surrounding area.

The size of the castle and its commanding position still impress the visitor today.

What other home offers such a commanding view of the capital?

4. See also command

Word Frequency

commanding in British

(kəˈmɑːndɪŋ )

adjective (usually prenominal)

being in command

having the air of authority

a commanding voice

(of a position, situation, etc) exerting control

(of a height, viewpoint, etc) overlooking; advantageous

Derived forms

commandingly (comˈmandingly)

adverb

Word Frequency

commanding in American

(kəˈmændɪŋ ; kəmanˈdiŋ; kəˈmɑndɪŋ ; kəmänˈdiŋ)

verb transitive, verb intransitive

1. prp. of

command

adjective

having authority; controlling or dominating

impressive, esp. in a dignified or imperial way

controlling or dominating by position

a commanding hilltop

very large

a commanding lead

Example sentences containing 'commanding'

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Commanding officers have now spoken to the soldiers to ensure they receive all necessary advice and support. The Sun (2011)Commanding performance from the midfield enforcer. The Sun (2013)Commanding display and smart winner. The Sun (2009)

Trends of 'commanding'

In Common Usage. commanding is one of the 10000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Translations for 'commanding'

British English: commanding ADJECTIVE

If you are in a commanding position or situation, you are in a strong or powerful position or situation.

Right now you're in a more commanding position than you have been for ages.

American English: commanding
Brazilian Portuguese: autoritário
Chinese: 支配的
European Spanish: dominante
French: dominant
German: führend
Italian: autorevole
Japanese: 堂々とした
Korean: 우세한
European Portuguese: autoritário
Spanish: dominante

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Nearby words of 'commanding'

Related Terms of 'commanding'

Source

Definition of commanding from the Collins English Dictionary

Compound nouns

A compound noun is a noun that is formed from two or more words. The meaning of the whole compound is often different from the meaning of the two words on their own. Compound nouns are very common. T...