Etymology Map
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Dominate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to have control over

Where does the word "dominate" come from? It comes from Latin dominari, adopted directly into English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
dominari
Latin · ancient
"to rule"
from 'dominus', lord
2
Stage 2 of 2
dominate
English · 1610s
"to rule"
'dominant' genes date from 1900
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Read the full story

Dominate’s story begins in Latin: dominari meant “to rule.” From 'dominus', lord. It reached English by 1610s as dominate. 'dominant' genes date from 1900. Today, dominate means to have control over.