command
B1Formal, Military, Technical, General
Definition
Meaning
To give an authoritative order.
To have control, possession, or mastery over something; to demand and receive respect, attention, or a price.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it implies authority and an expectation of obedience. As a noun, it can refer to the order itself, the authority to give orders, or a specific unit or area of control (e.g., military command). In computing, it refers to a specific instruction given to a program.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in related terms ('commandant' slightly more common in US military context; 'commander-in-chief' standard in both). The word itself is identical.
Connotations
Both share strong military and computing connotations. Slightly stronger association with naval/air force hierarchies in UK usage.
Frequency
Equally frequent and used identically in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
command somebody to do somethingcommand that somebody (should) do somethingcommand something (e.g., respect, a view)command + noun (e.g., command a battalion)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He who cannot obey cannot command.”
- “at your command”
- “command of the situation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to leadership, authority, or controlling a high price ('The product commands a premium in the market').
Academic
Used in historical/political science contexts regarding authority, or in linguistics regarding 'command' structures.
Everyday
Used for giving firm instructions ('I command you to stop!') or having a skill ('She has a good command of French').
Technical
In computing, an instruction executed by a user or program (e.g., 'command line', 'voice command').
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- He has a good command of the German language.
- The soldier obeyed the command immediately.
- The mission was under the command of Captain Harris.
American English
- She typed the command into the terminal.
- He took command of the situation after the accident.
- The central command issued a new directive.
verb
British English
- The officer commanded his troops to advance.
- The headmistress commands great respect from the pupils.
- The flat commands a superb view of the city.
American English
- The general commanded the division during the exercise.
- Her expertise commands a high salary.
- The judge commanded silence in the courtroom.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as a pure adjective. Used in compounds: 'command economy', 'command performance'.
American English
- Not commonly used as a pure adjective. Used in compounds: 'command key', 'command module'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher commanded the class to be quiet.
- My brother knows many computer commands.
- The officer commanded his soldiers to stand still.
- She has a strong command of English vocabulary.
- The general was given command of the entire northern region.
- His profound knowledge commands the respect of his colleagues.
- The software responds to voice commands with remarkable accuracy.
- The veteran's presence commanded immediate attention from the assembly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMMANDer giving a COMMAND. Both start with COMMAND-.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS UP / CONTROL IS HOLDING ('He is in command,' 'She took command of the situation').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'команда' (team). 'Command' is 'команда' only as an order, not a group of people. A sports 'команда' is a 'team' in English.
- Avoid using 'command' for a polite request; it is authoritative.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'command' as a synonym for 'ask' or 'suggest' (too strong).
- Incorrect plural: 'He gave three commands' (correct), not 'commandments' (biblical).
- Confusing 'command' (noun/verb) with 'commend' (to praise).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'command' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as a verb it implies authority and expectation of obedience. In noun form (e.g., 'command of a language'), it can be descriptive without the imperative force.
Absolutely. It's common in business ('command a high price'), computing ('command prompt'), and general language ('command respect', 'have command of a subject').
They are often synonymous, but 'command' can sound more formal, absolute, and is strongly associated with military or hierarchical authority. 'Order' is more general.
It's countable when referring to a specific instruction ('He gave three commands'). It's uncountable when referring to authority or control ('Who has command here?').