# commanding

/kəˈmændɪŋ/ (US) · /kəmˈɑːndɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commanding
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. authoritative

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. dominant or superior

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. having a wide view

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. the act of ordering

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the act of giving an order or being in charge.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She spoke with a commanding voice that silenced the room.
- The general took a commanding position on the hill to observe the enemy's movements across the valley.
- Despite her junior rank, she possessed a commanding presence that naturally drew the attention of everyone in the boardroom during her presentation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.