command
gb/kəmˈænd/ us/kəmˈænd/
A2
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Give an authoritative order
To give an order to someone in a strong or official way.
Usage pattern:
to command [someone] to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'command' with 'ask'; 'command' is stronger and implies authority.
Synonyms
order (Most common everyday term; slightly less formal than 'command'.)
Antonyms
obey (Means to follow an order, the opposite action of giving one.)
Collocations
command troops
|command attention
|command respect
|command a unit
Themes
authority
|military
|workplace
|work
|law
|communication
Examples
- The general commanded the soldiers to hold their position.
- She commanded her team to finish the project by Friday.
- The teacher commanded silence in the noisy classroom.
Learner examples
- The officer commanded the men to stop.
- My boss commanded me to write the report.
- She commanded the dog to sit.
Noun
A2
entity
2
An official order or instruction
An order that someone with power gives to another person.
Usage pattern:
to give a command to [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'command' with 'comment' due to similar pronunciation.
Synonyms
order (Most common synonym; 'command' is more formal or military in tone.)
Antonyms
request (A polite or optional ask, unlike a command which must be followed.)
Collocations
give a command
|follow a command
|ignore a command
Themes
authority
|military
|law
|work
|communication
Examples
- The captain gave the command to fire.
- It is important for soldiers to follow commands.
- The robot executes commands sent from the computer.
Learner examples
- The teacher gave a command to be quiet.
- He did not follow the command.
- The dog understands simple commands.
Verb
B2
action
3
Be in charge of a group
To lead and control a group of people.
Usage pattern:
to command [a group/organization]
Synonyms
lead ('Lead' is more general; 'command' implies formal authority.)
Antonyms
serve under (Means to work under someone else's authority.)
Collocations
command an army
|command a ship
|command a team
Themes
leadership
|military
|work
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She commands a large department at the company.
- He commanded the naval vessel for five years.
- The colonel commands over 500 soldiers.
Learner examples
- He commands the sales team.
- She commands a group of workers.
- The captain commands the ship.
Verb
B2
state
4
Deserve respect or attention
To be so good or important that people respect you or give you attention.
Usage pattern:
to command [respect/attention/a price]
Synonyms
earn ('Earn' focuses on gaining through effort; 'command' suggests it is naturally due.)
Antonyms
lose respect (Means to no longer have respect from others.)
Collocations
command respect
|command attention
|command a high price
Themes
reputation
|business
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her honesty commands the respect of her colleagues.
- The painting commands a very high price at auction.
- His speeches always command attention from the audience.
Learner examples
- Good leaders command respect.
- The old book commands a high price.
- He commands attention when he speaks.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
5
Instruction for a computer program
Words or symbols you type into a computer so it does something.
Synonyms
instruction ('Instruction' is broader; 'command' is specific in computing.)
Antonyms
output ('Output' is what comes from the computer, not what is entered.)
Collocations
enter a command
|run a command
|execute a command
Themes
technology
|communication
|work
Examples
- Type the command and press Enter.
- This program accepts several different commands.
- You can use this command to copy files.
Learner examples
- I typed the command into the computer.
- This command opens the file.
- We run the command to start the program.
Grammar
Dictionary form
command
IPA
GB/kəmˈænd/
US/kəmˈænd/
Syllables & stress
com - mand (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (mand)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: command
- Plural: command, commands
Verb
- Base: command
- 3rd Person Singular: commands
- Present Participle: commanding
- Past: commanded
Word family
Forms
commands
noun
commanding
verb
commanded
verb
Core family
commander
noun B1
Advanced or less common
commandment
noun B2
commandeer
verb
Expressions
at your command
1/ˈæt jˈʊɹ kəmˈænd/
fixed phrase
Ready to obey orders immediately
Ready to do what you ask right away.
Examples
- I am at your command, sir.
- The staff are at your command for the evening.
in command of
1/ˈɪn kəmˈænd əv/
fixed phrase
Having control over something/someone
Having power over people or things and making decisions about them.
Examples
- She is in command of the whole operation.
- The captain was in command of the ship.
take command (of)
1/tˈeɪk kəmˈænd əv/
fixed phrase
Assume control or authority over something/someone
To start being the person who controls something or someone.
Examples
- He took command of the army after the general retired.
- She took command of the meeting when her boss was late.