commanding

Universal Words adjective 1 [onlybeforenoun] in a position of authority that allows you to give formal orders: Who is your commanding officer? 2 [usuallybeforenoun] if you are in a commanding position or have a commanding lead, you are likely to win a race or competition 3 [usuallybeforenoun] powerful and making people admire and obey you: a commanding figure / presence / tone / voice * Her style is commanding, decisive and responsible. 4 [onlybeforenoun] if a building is in a commanding position or has a commanding view, you can see the area around very well from it: The castle occupies a commanding position on a hill.