Word
dominion
Phoneticsdo·min·ion, stress on the second syllable
US/dəˈmɪnjən/
UK/dəmˈɪniən/
Definitions
01power and control
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal · Literary
n. the power to control or rule over a person, group, or thing.
n. sovereignty or supreme authority; the exercise of absolute control or stewardship.
“In many old stories, humans try to have dominion over all the animals in the forest.”
“The emperor sought to extend his dominion over the neighboring tribes, claiming a divine right to govern their lands and resources.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'over'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02governed territory
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal · Literary
n. the land or territory that a person or government rules.
n. a territory, sphere of influence, or country under a particular government or sovereignty.
“The king traveled to the furthest corners of his dominion to meet his people.”
“The treaty redefined the borders of the prince's dominion, ceding several coastal ports to the rival merchant republic.”
03British Commonwealth status
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Formal
n. a historical name for a self-governing country within the British Empire.
n. a historical title for autonomous polities within the British Empire and later the Commonwealth, such as Canada or Australia.
“Canada was known as a Dominion before it gained full independence from Britain.”
“The 1926 Balfour Declaration recognized the Dominions as autonomous communities within the British Empire, equal in status to the United Kingdom.”
Teaching tip
This sense is primarily historical; modern speakers use 'sovereign nation' or 'Commonwealth realm' instead.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“According to this letter , Adrian, who hoped to assert territorial and spiritual dominion over the Franks, urged Charlemagne to offer land as well.” Etymology
From Middle English dominion, from Middle French dominion, from Latin dominium (“lordship, right of ownership”), from dominus (“lord”), from domus (“house”). See demain, demesne, domain, dominium.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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