What does "command" mean?
An order to do something.
Command
/kəˈmɑːnd/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Top 500 ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An order to do something.
- Grammar: command is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: instruction, bidding, control, directive.
- Useful contrasts: catalan consell, abdicate, allow.
- Usage evidence: Japanese children brought up overseas sometimes face great difficulty in adjusting themselves to Japanese schools after returning, even though they have a perfect command of Japanese.
How to use "command"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "command" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "command" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "command" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "command" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "command" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "instruction" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "command", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An order to do something. countable, uncountable
"I was given a command to cease shooting."
- 2 availability for use wordnet
- 3 The right or authority to order, control or dispose of; the right to be obeyed or to compel obedience. countable, uncountable
"to have command of an army"
- 4 the power or authority to command wordnet
- 5 power of control, direction or disposal; mastery. countable, uncountable
"he had command of the situation"
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity wordnet
- 7 A position of chief authority; a position involving the right or power to order or control. countable, uncountable
"General Smith was placed in command."
- 8 (computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program wordnet
- 9 The act of commanding; exercise or authority of influence. countable, uncountable
"Command cannot be otherwise than savage, for it implies an appeal to force, should force be needful."
- 10 an authoritative direction or instruction to do something wordnet
- 11 A body or troops, or any naval or military force, under the control of a particular officer; by extension, any object or body in someone's charge. countable, uncountable
"I asked myself what I was to do there, now my boat was lost. As a matter of fact, I had plenty to do in fishing my command out of the river."
- 12 a military unit or region under the control of a single officer wordnet
- 13 Dominating situation; range or control or oversight; extent of view or outlook. countable, uncountable
- 14 a position of highest authority wordnet
- 15 A directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task. countable, uncountable
- 16 The degree of control a pitcher has over his pitches. countable, uncountable
"He's got good command tonight."
- 17 A command performance. countable, uncountable
"Atkinson […] had hinted to me that the Duke of Richmond was so delighted with my acting that he should not be surprised if there was a second command."
Verb
- 1 To order, give orders; to compel or direct with authority. ambitransitive
"The soldier was commanded to cease firing."
- 2 make someone do something wordnet
- 3 To have or exercise supreme power, control or authority over, especially military; to have under direction or control. ambitransitive
"to command an army or a ship"
- 4 be in command of wordnet
- 5 To require with authority; to demand, order, enjoin. transitive
"he commanded silence"
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 demand as one's due wordnet
- 7 to dominate through ability, resources, position etc.; to overlook. transitive
"Bridges commanded by a fortified house. (Motley.)"
- 8 exercise authoritative control or power over wordnet
- 9 To exact, compel or secure by influence; to deserve, claim. transitive
"A good magistrate commands the respect and affections of the people."
- 10 look down on wordnet
- 11 To hold, to control the use of. transitive
"The fort commanded the bay."
- 12 To have a view (of), as from a superior position. ambitransitive, archaic
"Farr and wide his eye commands."
- 13 To direct to come; to bestow. obsolete
"I will command my blessing upon you."
Example
"Japanese children brought up overseas sometimes face great difficulty in adjusting themselves to Japanese schools after returning, even though they have a perfect command of Japanese."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "command"?
Common synonyms include: instruction, bidding, control, directive, mandate, mastery.
How do you use "command" in a sentence?
Japanese children brought up overseas sometimes face great difficulty in adjusting themselves to Japanese schools after returning, even though they have a perfect command of Japanese.
How do you pronounce "command"?
Pronounced /kəˈmɑːnd/.
Etymology
From Middle English commanden, commaunden, comaunden, comanden, from Old French comander, from Late Latin commandāre, from Latin commendāre. Ultimately from Latin com- + mandō (whence ultimately also commend (a doublet), mandate, and recommend), from manus + -dō. Compare typologically Russian поручи́ть (poručítʹ), поруче́ние (poručénije), руководи́ть (rukovodítʹ), руководи́тель (rukovodítelʹ) related to рука́ (ruká).