Difference Wiki

Control vs. Dominate: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 9, 2023
Control refers to directing or managing something, while Dominate implies having power or influence over others, often aggressively.

Key Differences

Control and Dominate, both words speak to a form of power, but each holds a distinct flavor of authority. Control, in its essence, implies managing, directing, or restraining something or someone, suggesting a form of discipline or organization. Dominate, in contrast, leans towards an aggressive assertion of power, hinting at overwhelming or ruling over others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Control can manifest in myriad ways, from someone managing their emotions to an operator controlling machinery. It holds a balance, maintaining order without necessarily suppressing or overshadowing. Dominate, however, presents itself with greater intensity. A team might dominate a sports match, or an empire might dominate vast territories.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
In interpersonal relationships, Control might signify a person setting boundaries or taking charge of a situation. This contrasts with Dominate, which could indicate one individual overshadowing or overpowering another, often negatively.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
While Control often carries with it a sense of responsibility and measured influence, Dominate suggests superior strength or influence, which can either be celebrated as in dominating a competition or criticized as in dominating a conversation.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Understanding the nuances between Control and Dominate can assist in grasping the intensity and intent behind actions, making communication more effective and precise.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Basic Definition

Directing or managing something.
Having power or influence over, often aggressively.
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Implication

Maintaining order and discipline.
Overwhelming or ruling over others.
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Usage

Can be neutral or positive.
Often seen as aggressive or overpowering.
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Scope

Limited to management or direction.
Implies superiority or overwhelming force.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023

In Relationships

Setting boundaries or taking charge.
Overpowering or overshadowing another.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
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Control and Dominate Definitions

Control

To exert a commanding influence.
His charisma allowed him to dominate the conversation.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023

Dominate

To prevail over.
The home team dominated the match.
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Oct 09, 2023

Control

To occupy a commanding or elevated position.
The castle dominates the landscape.
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Dominate

To be the most important or conspicuous.
This issue dominates the news headlines.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023

Control

To exercise authoritative or dominating influence over; direct
The majority party controls the legislative agenda.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
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Dominate

To occupy a commanding or elevated position.
The castle dominates the landscape.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023

Control

To adjust to a requirement; regulate
Rules that control trading on the stock market.
Valves that control the flow of water.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Dominate

To exert a commanding influence.
His charisma allowed him to dominate the conversation.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023

Control

To hold in restraint; check
Struggled to control my temper.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Dominate

To control, govern, or rule by superior authority or power
Successful leaders dominate events rather than react to them.
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

To reduce or prevent the spread of
Used a pesticide to control insects.
Controlled the fire by dousing it with water.
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Dominate

To exert a supreme, guiding influence on or over
Ambition dominated their lives.
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Control

To verify or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or by comparing with another standard.
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Dominate

To enjoy a commanding, controlling position in
A drug company that dominates the tranquilizer market.
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Control

To verify (a financial account, for example) by using a duplicate register for comparison.
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Dominate

To be the most abundant in
Grasses dominate most salt marshes.
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Control

Authority or ability to manage or direct
Lost control of the skidding car.
The leaders in control of the country.
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Dominate

To overlook from a height
A view from the cliffside chalet that dominates the valley.
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Control

One that controls; a controlling agent, device, or organization.
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Dominate

To have or exert strong authority or mastery.
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Control

An instrument.
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Dominate

To be situated in or occupy a position that is more elevated or decidedly superior to others.
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Control

Controls A set of such instruments.
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Dominate

To be predominant in an ecosystem.
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Control

A restraining device, measure, or limit; a curb
A control on prices.
Price controls.
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Dec 18, 2022

Dominate

To govern, rule or control by superior authority or power
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

A standard of comparison for checking or verifying the results of a scientific experiment.
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Dominate

To exert an overwhelming guiding influence over something or someone
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Control

An individual or group used as a standard of comparison in a scientific experiment, as a group of subjects given an inactive substance in an experiment testing a new drug administered to another group of subjects.
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Dominate

To enjoy a commanding position in some field
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Control

An intelligence agent who supervises or instructs another agent.
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Dominate

To overlook from a height.
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Control

A spirit presumed to speak or act through a medium.
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Dec 18, 2022

Dominate

To precede another node of a directed graph in all paths from the start of the graph to the other node.
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Control

(transitive) To exercise influence over; to suggest or dictate the behavior of.
With a simple remote, he could control the toy truck.
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Dec 18, 2022

Dominate

Dominant.
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Control

(construed with for) To design (an experiment) so that the effects of one or more variables are reduced or eliminated.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Dominate

(historical) The late period of the Roman Empire, following the principate, during which the emperor's rule became more explicitly autocratic and remaining vestiges of the Roman Republic were removed from the formal workings of government; the reign of any particular emperor during this period.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Control

To verify the accuracy of (something or someone, especially a financial account) by comparison with another account.
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Dec 18, 2022

Dominate

To predominate over; to rule; to govern.
We everywhere meet with Slavonian nations either dominant or dominated.
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

To call to account, to take to task, to challenge.
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Dec 18, 2022

Dominate

To be dominant.
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Control

(transitive) To hold in check, to curb, to restrain.
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Dec 18, 2022

Dominate

Be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance;
Money reigns supreme here
Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

Influence or authority over something.
The government has complete control over the situation.
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Dominate

Be in control; rule the roost;
Her husband completely dominates her
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Control

The method and means of governing the performance of any apparatus, machine or system, such as a lever, handle or button.
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Dominate

Have dominance or the power to defeat over;
Her pain completely mastered her
The methods can master the problems
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

Restraint or ability to contain one's movements or emotions, or self-control.
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Dominate

Look down on;
The villa dominates the town
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

A security mechanism, policy, or procedure that can counter system attack, reduce risks, and resolve vulnerabilities; a safeguard or countermeasure.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Dominate

To rule or control by superior authority or power.
The company dominates the tech industry.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

Control

(project management) A means of monitoring for, and triggering intervention in, activities that are not going according to plan.
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

A control group or control experiment.
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

A duplicate book, register, or account, kept to correct or check another account or register.
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Control

(graphical user interface) An interface element that a computer user interacts with, such as a window or a text box Ctrl.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Control

(climatology) Any of the physical factors determining the climate of a place, such as latitude, distribution of land and water, altitude, exposure, prevailing winds, permanent high- or low-barometric-pressure areas, ocean currents, mountain barriers, soil, and vegetation.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Control

(linguistics) A construction in which the understood subject of a given predicate is determined by an expression in context. See control.
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

A spirit that takes possession of a psychic or medium and allows other spirits to communicate with the living.
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Control

A checkpoint along an audax route.
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

A duplicate book, register, or account, kept to correct or check another account or register; a counter register.
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Control

That which serves to check, restrain, or hinder; restraint.
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

Power or authority to check or restrain; restraining or regulating influence; superintendence; government; as, children should be under parental control.
The House of Commons should exercise a control over all the departments of the executive administration.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Control

The complete apparatus used to control a mechanism or machine in operation, as a flying machine in flight;
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

Any of the physical factors determining the climate of any particular place, as latitude,distribution of land and water, altitude, exposure, prevailing winds, permanent high- or low-barometric-pressure areas, ocean currents, mountain barriers, soil, and vegetation.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Control

In research, an object or subject used in an experimental procedure, which is treated identically to the primary subject of the experiment, except for the omission of the specific treatment or conditions whose effect is being investigated. If the control is a group of living organisms, as is common in medical research, it is called the control group.
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Control

The part of an experimental procedure in which the controls{6} are subjected to the experimental conditions.
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Control

The group of technical specialists exercising control by remote communications over a distant operation, such as a space flight; as, the American Mission Control for manned flights is located in Houston.
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Control

To check by a counter register or duplicate account; to prove by counter statements; to confute.
This report was controlled to be false.
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Control

To exercise restraining or governing influence over; to check; to counteract; to restrain; to regulate; to govern; to overpower.
Give me a staff of honor for mine age,But not a scepter to control the world.
I feel my virtue struggling in my soul:But stronger passion does its power control.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Control

To assure the validity of an experimental procedure by using a control{7}.
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Control

Power to direct or determine;
Under control
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Control

A relation of constraint of one entity (thing or person or group) by another;
Measures for the control of disease
They instituted controls over drinking on campus
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Control

(physiology) regulation or maintenance of a function or action or reflex etc;
The timing and control of his movements were unimpaired
He had lost control of his sphincters
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

A standard against which other conditions can be compared in a scientific experiment;
The control condition was inappropriate for the conclusions he wished to draw
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

The activity of managing or exerting control over something;
The control of the mob by the police was admirable
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

The state that exists when one person or group has power over another;
Her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

Discipline in personal and social activities;
He was a model of polite restraint
She never lost control of herself
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

Great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity;
A good command of French
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

The economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc.;
They wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls
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Control

A mechanism that controls the operation of a machine;
The speed control on his turntable was not working properly
I turned the controls over to her
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

A spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance
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Control

Exercise authoritative control or power over;
Control the budget
Command the military forces
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Control

Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
Moderate your alcohol intake
Hold your tongue
Hold your temper
Control your anger
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Dec 18, 2022

Control

Handle and cause to function;
Do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol
Control the lever
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Control

Control (others or oneself) or influence skillfully, usually to one's advantage;
She manipulates her boss
She is a very controlling mother and doesn't let her children grow up
The teacher knew how to keep the class in line
She keeps in line
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Control

Verify or regulate by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard, of scientific experiments;
Are you controlling for the temperature?
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Control

Verify by using a duplicate register for comparison;
Control an account
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Control

Be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something;
He verified that the valves were closed
See that the curtains are closed
Control the quality of the product
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Control

Have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of;
Do you control these data?
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022

Control

To rule or control by superior authority or power.
The company dominates the tech industry.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023

Control

To prevail over.
The home team dominated the match.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023

Control

To be the most important or conspicuous.
This issue dominates the news headlines.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

FAQs

The act of restraining or preventing.

He kept his emotions under control.
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Oct 09, 2023

Mastery over a skill or situation.

With years of practice, she gained control over her craft.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023

A means of regulating or guiding.

The remote control operates the television.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

To prevail over.

The home team dominated the match.
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Oct 09, 2023

To occupy a commanding or elevated position.

The castle dominates the landscape.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023

Is it correct to say a team controlled a match?

Yes, but it would suggest they managed the game well. Saying they dominated would imply they overwhelmingly outperformed the opposition.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023

The power to influence or manage.

She had full control over the project's direction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

To exert a commanding influence.

His charisma allowed him to dominate the conversation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

To be the most important or conspicuous.

This issue dominates the news headlines.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023

A standard for comparison in experiments.

The scientist set up a control group for the study.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023

What does Control primarily signify?

Control primarily refers to directing, managing, or restraining something or someone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

Does Dominate always imply superiority?

Dominate often carries connotations of superiority, whether in strength, influence, or position.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023

Is Dominate always used in a negative context?

No, Dominate can be neutral or positive, as in sports or competition, but can also have negative connotations in certain contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

Can a brand dominate the market without controlling it?

Yes, a brand can dominate by having a significant presence or influence, but may not control all aspects of the market.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

Is Control always deliberate?

Often, but not always. Control can be an instinctive response in certain situations.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023

To rule or control by superior authority or power.

The company dominates the tech industry.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

Which word suggests stronger power or influence?

Dominate suggests a stronger or more aggressive power or influence than Control.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023

Can an individual Control a conversation?

Yes, someone can control a conversation by guiding its direction, but dominating it implies overshadowing others.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023

Is Control always a positive trait?

Not necessarily. While control can be positive in many contexts, excessive control can be seen as overbearing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

How do Control and Dominate manifest in relationships?

Control may involve setting boundaries or directing, while Dominate might indicate overshadowing or overpowering another.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023

Is Dominate stronger than Control in terms of influence?

Typically, yes. Dominate suggests a more forceful or overwhelming influence compared to Control.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023

Which term is more aggressive: Control or Dominate?

Dominate is generally perceived as the more aggressive term.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

Can a person have control without authority?

It's possible, especially in situations where respect or expertise grants them informal influence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

How can one differentiate between Control and Dominate in leadership?

Control in leadership implies measured guidance, while Dominate suggests aggressive or overpowering leadership.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

Can Control imply suppression?

While Control can involve restraint, it doesn't inherently mean suppression or oppression like Dominate might.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

Can Control be passive?

Control usually implies active direction or management, but it can be subtle or passive in some contexts.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023

Can someone have control without dominance?

Yes, someone can have control by managing or directing without necessarily overpowering or overshadowing others.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023

Are Control and Dominate synonyms?

While related, they aren't exact synonyms. Control is about management, while Dominate is about overpowering influence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

Can a person be dominant without being controlling?

Yes, someone can have a dominant presence or influence without necessarily directing or managing others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023

Does Dominate always imply a negative outcome?

No, while Dominate can have negative connotations, it can also indicate superior performance or presence in a positive light.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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