Dominant and dominate are closely related, but they do different jobs in a sentence.
Dominant is an adjective. Use it to describe a person, group, trait, or thing that is more powerful, influential, or noticeable than others.
Example: The team was dominant all season.
Dominate is a verb. Use it when someone or something takes control, has the most power, or strongly influences a situation.
Example: That company continues to dominate the market.
A quick way to remember the difference is this:
- If you need a describing word, use dominant.
- If you need an action word, use dominate.
Compare these: Blue is the dominant color in the painting. Here, the word describes color. But in Blue tones dominate the painting, the word shows action.
If you can replace it with powerful or leading, dominant probably fits. If you can replace it with control or overpower, dominate is likely correct.