dominion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Legal, Historical, Religious
Quick answer
What does “dominion” mean?
Sovereign authority or control.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Sovereign authority or control; the power to govern a territory.
A territory or realm under the control of a specific ruler, government, or authority. In theology, sovereignty or lordship, especially of God. In law, the concept of ownership or control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Dominion' has a specific historical and political resonance in British/Commonwealth history (e.g., 'Dominions' of the British Empire like Canada, Australia). In American English, it is used more broadly for any area of control, including in religious contexts.
Connotations
UK: Strongly tied to imperial history and constitutional law (e.g., 'Dominion status'). US: More likely to be used in religious language (God's dominion) or fantasy/sci-fi contexts (alien dominions).
Frequency
Slightly higher historical/political frequency in UK/Commonwealth English. Otherwise, equally low-frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “dominion” in a Sentence
have dominion over [territory/people]exercise dominion over [territory/people]be under the dominion of [ruler/state]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dominion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This form is not standard. The verb is 'dominate'.
American English
- This form is not standard. The verb is 'dominate'.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The Dominion government (historical, Canada).
American English
- Dominion theology (a theological movement).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear metaphorically ('dominion over a market segment') to imply overwhelming control.
Academic
Common in history, political science, law, and theology to denote sovereignty or a self-governing territory within an empire.
Everyday
Very low frequency. Might be used in religious contexts or discussions of history/politics.
Technical
In law (property law: 'dominion and control' over an object); in theology; in historical classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dominion”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dominion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dominion”
- Confusing 'dominion' (authority/territory) with 'domain' (an area of activity or knowledge, or a territory). 'Domain' is more common for metaphorical or digital spaces.
- Using it as a synonym for 'domination' (which emphasizes the active process of controlling, often oppressively). Dominion is more about the state of having control or the territory itself.
- Incorrect plural: 'dominions' is correct for territories; avoid 'dominiences'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Dominion' refers to the power or authority to control, or the territory controlled. 'Domination' refers to the act or process of controlling, often in a harsh or oppressive way.
It is highly unusual and stylistically marked. 'Dominion' implies a significant scope of control, such as a kingdom, realm, or sphere of influence. For a room, words like 'control', 'domain', or 'territory' (metaphorically) are more natural.
Largely historical. Countries like Canada and Australia were known as 'Dominions' within the British Empire/Commonwealth. While the term may persist in some official titles (e.g., 'Government of the Dominion of Canada' in formal legal contexts), they are now universally referred to simply as countries or realms.
A 'kingdom' is specifically a country or territory ruled by a king or queen. 'Dominion' is broader; it can be any territory under the control of a sovereign power, regardless of that power's title (emperor, republic, etc.). A kingdom can be a dominion if it is under the ultimate authority of another state (e.g., a kingdom that was a dominion of the British Empire).
Sovereign authority or control.
Dominion is usually formal, academic, legal, historical, religious in register.
Dominion: in British English it is pronounced /dəˈmɪn.i.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /dəˈmɪn.jən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have dominion over”
- “hold dominion”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DOMINO falling – one piece has control and causes the others to follow. Dominion is like the top domino that has power over all the others.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS UP/OWNERSHIP (He holds dominion over the lands); A TERRITORY IS A POSSESSION (The king's vast dominions).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'dominion' LEAST likely to be used?