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.”
Synonyms
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.”
Synonyms
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.”
Synonyms
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.”
Synonyms
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.” “A stunning double from the summer signing Camilo Durán helped Celtic open up a commanding lead against Lask in their Champions League playoff.” Word family
ADJECTIVE
- 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
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