English Reference

Word

commanding

Phoneticscom·mand·ing, stress on the second syllable

US/kəˈmændɪŋ/

UK/kəmˈɑːndɪŋ/

Definitions

01authoritative

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. having a style or voice that makes people want to obey you.

adj. possessing or displaying an air of authority that compels obedience or respect.

“She spoke in a commanding voice that silenced the entire room.”

“The conductor possessed a commanding presence, ensuring that every musician in the orchestra remained perfectly synchronized throughout the difficult passage.”

Antonyms

02dominant or superior

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. being in a very strong position, especially in a game or competition.

adj. occupying a position of clear superiority or dominance over others.

“By halftime, the home team had a commanding lead of twenty points.”

“The corporation maintained a commanding position in the semiconductor market, effectively dictating industry standards for over a decade.”

Antonyms

03having a wide view

C1 · Advanced Formal

adj. describing a high place that gives you a clear view of everything below.

adj. occupying a strategic height that provides a wide, unobstructed view of the surrounding area.

“The castle was built on a hill, giving the soldiers a commanding view of the valley.”

“From its commanding position atop the cliffs, the lighthouse provides a panoramic view of the treacherous coastline for miles in either direction.”

04the act of ordering

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal

n. the act of giving an order or being in charge.

n. the gerund form used as a noun to describe the exercise of authority or the issuing of mandates.

“His style of commanding was strict but always fair to his workers.”

“The effective commanding of such a diverse coalition required a delicate balance of diplomacy and firm executive decision-making.”

Real-World Examples

“Celtic have put themselves in a commanding position in their Champions League qualifying play-off after a 3-0 win against Austrian champions Lask at Parkhead on Wednesday, 19th August.”
BreakingNews.ie 19 Aug 2026
“A stunning double from the summer signing Camilo Durán helped Celtic open up a commanding lead against Lask in their Champions League playoff.”
The Guardian 19 Aug 2026

Word family

ADJECTIVE

commanding(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/commanding

English Reference