What's the difference between 'dominant' and 'predominant'?

Language gets tricky with similar-sounding words like 'dominant' and 'predominant'. Both imply importance, but which do you use and when?

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When to use 'dominant' vs. 'predominant'

The words dominant and predominant seem pretty similar, but they each have their own turf. Knowing which one to use can make your writing or conversations clearer. So, when should you use dominant, and when should you go with predominant?

• Use dominant when you're referring to something that's clearly in control or has the most influence.

• Use predominant when you're talking about something that's more common or widespread but not necessarily in charge.

Let's go over some examples.

Dominant: The leader of the pack

When we talk about something being dominant, we're talking about the leader, the one in charge, the thing that stands out the most. This word is all about being the most powerful or noticeable. For example:

In my family, Mum is the dominant decision-maker.

(It's not up for debate — what Mum says, goes.)

The dominant smell in the house is burnt toast.

(It's taken over everything, and you can forget about hiding your cooking mishap.)

The dominant cat in the household always gets the best spot on the couch.

(​​And by best spot, I mean the exact centre, while you're left balancing on the edge, questioning your life choices.)

Predominant: The majority vote

Now, predominant is a bit different. It's less about power and more about prevalence. Predominant refers to what's most common or widespread. For instance:

The predominant sound in the office is the click-clack of keyboards.

(Ah... the unofficial soundtrack to productivity.)

When it comes to her wardrobe, black is the predominant colour.

(It's not a phase; it's a permanent vibe.)

Garlic is the predominant flavour in this dish.

(Along with roasted tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.)

On the other hand, if garlic is the dominant flavour, you may not be able to taste much else — but garlic lovers won't complain.

Conclusion

Although dominant and predominant might seem interchangeable, they actually serve different purposes. Dominant is all about being the top dog, while predominant is about being in the majority. So, whether you're referring to the dominant speaker in a meeting or the predominant food group in your diet (hello, carbs), you now know which word to use.

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Stella Logan is a freelance Australian proofreader and copyeditor who ensures clarity is the dominant force in your writing — because confusion should never be the predominant theme.