dominante
/do.miˈnan.te/
The English word 'dominant' can be translated into Italian using dominante. Wiktionary also lists predominante and più diffuso.
Meaning: predominant, common (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| dominante | /do.miˈnan.te/ |
| predominante | /pre.do.miˈnan.te/ |
| più diffuso |
In Italian, these terms are used to describe something that is predominant or common.
Which one should you use?
While dominante can mean dominant in terms of power or influence, più diffuso is used when 'dominant' refers specifically to something being more common or widespread in a population.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective dominante is invariable in gender, meaning it is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The plural form of dominante is dominanti for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
dominante is pronounced /do.miˈnan.te/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word dominante shares a root with the Italian word domestico, as both derive from the Latin 'domus' meaning 'house'.
- While English uses 'dominant' for both power and frequency, using dominante to mean 'widespread' in Italian can sound strangely aggressive, as it implies a forceful takeover rather than just being common.
- In music theory, the Italian term dominante refers specifically to the fifth scale degree of a key, which is a 'dominant' note that creates tension.
Examples in context
- Ho una natura sadica e dominante.I have a sadistic and dominant nature.This sentence uses dominante to describe a nature.Tatoeba #11656862 by Nuel, translation #11656861 by Nuel
- L'Islam è la religione dominante in Algeria.Islam is the dominant religion in Algeria.This sentence uses dominante to describe a religion.Tatoeba #13136721 by Guybrush88, translation #8145254 by Amastan
- È il maschio dominante che ogni donna desidera.He's the dominant male every woman desires.This sentence uses dominante to describe a male.Tatoeba #11616576 by Nuel, translation #11616575 by Nuel
- Il suo atteggiamento dominante ha creato tensione nella riunioneHis dominant attitude created tension in the meeting
- Questa tendenza è prevalente nel settore finanziarioThis trend is dominant in the financial sector
- Mario tira le danze in ufficioMario is dominant in the office
- La squadra avversaria ha avuto il sopravvento sul campo di giocoThe opposing team had the upper hand on the field
- Nel contesto lavorativo, è importante mostrare un atteggiamento dominante e assertivoIn the work context, it's important to display a dominant and assertive attitude
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are discussing the interior design of a new cafe.
- SofiaQuale sarà il colore dominante in questo locale?What will be the dominant color in this place?
- MatteoPenso che il legno sia l'elemento dominante.I think wood is the dominant element.
- SofiaSì, Matteo, mi sembra un'ottima idea.Yes, Matteo, it seems like a great idea to me.
- MatteoAllora ordinerò i materiali domani.Then I will order the materials tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dominant” translations and entries dominante, predominante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
