The difference between Dominant and Submissive

When used as nouns, dominant means the fifth major tone of a musical scale (five major steps above the note in question), whereas submissive means one who submits to a dominant partner in sexual practices.

When used as adjectives, dominant means ruling, whereas submissive means meekly obedient or passive.


check bellow for the other definitions of Dominant and Submissive

  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. Submissive as an adjective:

    Meekly obedient or passive.

  1. Submissive as a noun (BDSM):

    One who submits to a dominant partner in sexual practices.

  2. Submissive as a noun (rare):

    One who submits.