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

Mr. Belcher does make for a convincingly commanding warrior, exuding a powerful, coiled energy like a snake ever ready to spring.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We are all grieving alongside the Oforah family," said Col Tom Trimble, commanding officer of the Marine Expeditionary Unit known as Special Operations Capable.

From BBC

It has a commanding lead in opinion polls.

From Barron's

Health screenings, weight-loss meds and better-for-you beverages will take center stage in Super Bowl commercials Sunday, commanding a spotlight once dominated by beer and junk food.

From The Wall Street Journal

But France steadied the ship and Attissogbe's try clinched a commanding victory.

From Barron's

Related Words

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