dominations: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very LowFormal, Literary, Theological
Quick answer
What does “dominations” mean?
The act or condition of exercising supreme authority, control, or power over others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or condition of exercising supreme authority, control, or power over others.
Refers specifically to the spheres of authority or celestial ranks in angelic hierarchies (e.g., Christian angelology), or to the exercise of mastery in a competitive or social field. The plural form often denotes instances or types of such control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it carries formal, authoritative, sometimes archaic or theological connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpuses, with a slight potential edge in British English due to historical/formal text traditions.
Grammar
How to Use “dominations” in a Sentence
the dominations of [entity/group] (e.g., the dominations of the ancient empires)dominations over [entity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dominations” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ancient empire dominations vast territories for centuries.
- He dominations the committee through sheer force of personality.
American English
- The team dominations the league with their aggressive strategy.
- A single corporation dominations the entire industry.
adverb
British English
- He ruled dominations over his subjects.
- The company expanded dominations across the continent.
American English
- She acted dominations in the negotiation.
- The ideology spread dominations through the region.
adjective
British English
- She had a dominations presence in the boardroom.
- Their dominations strategy left no room for competitors.
American English
- He spoke in a dominations tone that brooked no argument.
- The country pursued a dominations foreign policy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. 'Market dominance' or 'competitive advantage' are preferred.
Academic
Used in historical, political, or religious studies texts discussing structures of power or angelology.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound overly formal or pretentious.
Technical
Specific use in Christian theology for the second highest order of angels in the celestial hierarchy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dominations”
- Using it in casual speech. Incorrect singular/plural verb agreement: 'The dominations was...' should be 'The dominations were...'. Confusing it with the more common 'dominance'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word. In everyday language, 'control', 'dominance', or 'rule' are vastly more common.
Its most specific and recognised use is in Christian theology, where it refers to a high order of angels. Outside of that, it appears in formal historical or political writing.
No, 'dominations' is only a noun (the plural of 'domination'). The related verb is 'to dominate'.
'Dominance' is an abstract, uncountable noun meaning the state of being dominant. 'Domination' is the act of dominating, and its plural 'dominations' refers to specific instances, types, or exercises of that act, often in a more formal register.
The act or condition of exercising supreme authority, control, or power over others.
Dominations is usually formal, literary, theological in register.
Dominations: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɒm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɑː.məˈneɪ.ʃənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms specifically for the plural form.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DOMInations' as the plural of a very formal 'DOMInation' – like multiple kings on their thrones, each ruling their own domain.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS UP / CONTROL IS HOLDING: 'Holding dominations over others' implies being above them and having them in one's grasp.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'dominations' MOST appropriately used?