Dominant Meaning
Dominant Definition & Usage
Having control, influence, or authority over others; exerting power or influence.
Examples
- "The dominant leader of the company has shaped its culture over the years."
- "In this region, the cheetah is the dominant predator."
- "Her dominant personality made her a natural leader in the group."
- "The dominant species in the forest are the oak trees, which outcompete others for sunlight."
- "During the meeting, John's dominant presence made it hard for anyone else to speak."
Referring to a gene that expresses its trait even when only one copy is present in the organism.
Examples
- "Brown eyes are a dominant trait in humans."
- "In Mendelian genetics, the allele for tall plants is dominant over the allele for short plants."
- "The dominant gene for red fur ensures that most offspring will have red fur."
- "He inherited a dominant allele from his father, making him immune to the disease."
- "In pea plants, the round seed shape is dominant over the wrinkled shape."
The main or most prominent note or chord in a musical key.
Examples
- "The dominant seventh chord creates tension before resolving to the tonic."
- "In the key of C major, G is the dominant chord."
- "The dominant note in this scale is G, which leads back to the tonic."
- "The dominant function of the chord progression builds excitement in the piece."
- "A dominant seventh chord can be used to add a jazzy feel to the music."
Cultural Context
The word 'dominant' comes from the Latin 'dominari', meaning 'to rule or control'. It has evolved to cover a wide range of meanings, from social and psychological contexts to genetics and music. The concept of dominance is often associated with hierarchy, leadership, and power dynamics, both in human society and the natural world.
The Battle for the Savannah
Story
The Battle for the Savannah
In the vast African savannah, the animals lived by a natural order defined by dominance. At the heart of this order stood Leo, the mighty lion. He had long been the dominant predator, reigning supreme over the grasslands. His golden mane shimmered in the sun as he watched over his pride from a high rock. Despite the apparent peace, the balance was always in flux, and Leo knew that his reign was never secure. One day, a young leopard named Zuri arrived in the area. She was swift, cunning, and determined. For days, Leo observed her moves, impressed by her skills but wary of her ambition. The cheetahs, too, were a formidable presence, their speed unmatched by any other animal. Despite his power, Leo faced a new challenge. Zuri's ability to sneak past his defenses and capture prey without detection was growing, and the cheetahs' dominance over speed was becoming a critical factor. However, Leo’s experience in the savannah gave him the upper hand. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Leo confronted Zuri on the edge of his territory. "You are quick, Zuri," Leo said, his voice carrying across the dry plains. "But this is my land, and I am the dominant predator here. You must respect the order of things." Zuri, undeterred, simply smiled. "I respect strength, Leo. But dominance is not just about power; it’s about adaptability and resilience. We’ll see whose tactics prevail in the end." Leo knew that he had to adapt, or risk losing his position as the dominant force in the savannah. The challenge was clear, and he realized that dominance wasn’t just about strength; it was about strategy, wit, and the will to evolve. As the seasons changed, the battle for dominance continued, not only through raw strength but through intelligence, patience, and the will to adapt. Leo and Zuri both learned that true dominance wasn’t just about being the strongest—it was about being the most adaptable in the face of ever-changing challenges.
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