commanding

American  

[kuh-man-ding, -mahn-] / kəˈmæn dɪŋ, -ˈmɑn- /

adjective

1. being in command.

   a commanding officer.

2. appreciably superior or imposing; winning; sizable.

   a commanding position; a commanding lead in the final period.

3. having the air, tone, etc., of command; imposing; authoritative.

   a man of commanding appearance; a commanding voice.

4. dominating by position, usually elevation; overlooking.

   a commanding bluff at the mouth of the river.

5. (of a view, or prospect) provided by a commanding location and so permitting dominance.

   a commanding view of the mouth of the river.

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commanding British  

/ kəˈmɑːndɪŋ /

adjective

1. being in command

2. having the air of authority

   a commanding voice

3. (of a position, situation, etc) exerting control

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

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Other Word Forms

• commandingly adverb
• commandingness noun
• quasi-commanding adjective
• quasi-commandingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of commanding

First recorded in 1475–85; command + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The companies are commanding lofty valuations, and it can be difficult for some funds to snag stakes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Capt. David Skarosi, the Ford’s commanding officer, acknowledged what he called the “sting” of the additional extension, adding it caught even him by surprise.

From The Wall Street Journal

With a commanding lead, Glenn stayed safely in the leader’s chair for the entire third group.

From Los Angeles Times

Crockett, a 44-year-old African-American lawyer, argues the party needs a fighter capable of energizing turnout and commanding attention through sharp, viral exchanges with Republicans.

From Barron's

Substitute Boey ensured Gala would take a commanding lead to Turin next week as he lashed home from an angle five minutes from time.

From Barron's

Related Words

• assertive
• compelling
• decisive
• dominant
• dominating
• forceful
• imposing
• impressive
• lofty