The difference between Dominant and Overbearing

When used as adjectives, dominant means ruling, whereas overbearing means overly bossy, domineering, or arrogant.


Dominant is also noun with the meaning: the fifth major tone of a musical scale (five major steps above the note in question).

check bellow for the other definitions of Dominant and Overbearing

  1. Dominant as a noun (music):

    The fifth major tone of a musical scale (five major steps above the note in question); thus G is the dominant of C, A of D, and so on.

  2. Dominant as a noun (music):

    The triad built on the dominant tone.

  3. Dominant as a noun (genetics):

    A gene that is dominant.

  4. Dominant as a noun:

    A species or organism that is dominant.

  5. Dominant as a noun (BDSM):

    The dominating partner in sadomasochistic sexual activity.

  1. Dominant as an adjective:

    Ruling; governing; prevailing

    Examples:

    "The dominant party controlled the government."

  2. Dominant as an adjective:

    Predominant, common, prevalent, of greatest importance.

    Examples:

    "The dominant plants of the Carboniferous were lycopods and early conifers."

  3. Dominant as an adjective (medicine):

    Designating the follicle which will survive atresia and permit ovulation.

  1. Overbearing as an adjective:

    Overly bossy, domineering, or arrogant.