Reading Theme:
Command: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (4 meaning)
Meaning 1：give an order (command)
command
/kəˈmɑːnd/
v., n.
To tell someone officially to do something, using your authority.
give an order
➕
/ɡɪv ən ˈɔːrdər/
v., n.
To tell someone officially to do something with authority, often in a military or hierarchical context.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'commandare' (com- 'with' + mandare 'to entrust, order'), meaning to entrust with authority.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'com' (together) + 'mand' (order): a leader mandating a group to act together.
📖 Example
The coach commanded the players to gather immediately for a crucial team talk.
The coach gave an order for the players to gather immediately for a crucial team talk.
🔗 Collocations
command someone to do something – To tell someone officially to perform an action.
command silence – To order everyone to be quiet.
command respect – To naturally receive respect from others due to authority or demeanor.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
commander (n.) – A person who gives commands, especially in the military.
commanding (adj.) – Having authority; giving orders confidently.
commandment (n.) – A divine or moral order, as in the Ten Commandments.
📖 Cultural Story
Evolved from Latin 'mandare' (to order), also source of 'mandate.' In English, it gained military and computing usage by the 20th century.
Meaning 2：have mastery over (command)
command
/kəˈmɑːnd/
v., n.
To have great skill in using something, or to have control over it because you understand it perfectly.
have mastery over
➕
/hæv ˈmæstəri ˈoʊvər/
v., n.
To have great skill and control over something, such as a language or a subject.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She commands three languages fluently, which makes her an excellent candidate for the international team.
She has mastery over three languages fluently, which makes her an excellent candidate for the international team.
🔗 Collocations
command a language – To speak a language fluently and expertly.
command attention – To effortlessly attract and hold people's attention.
command a skill – To have a high level of proficiency in a particular ability.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
struggle with (v.) – To have difficulty handling or understanding something.
lack (v.) – To be without the necessary skill or control.
fail (v.) – To not succeed in mastering something.
Meaning 3：computer instruction (command)
command
/kəˈmɑːnd/
v., n.
An instruction given to a computer to perform a specific task.
computer instruction
➕
/kəmˈpjuːtər ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/
v., n.
An instruction given to a computer to perform a specific task, often typed in a terminal or command line interface.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He typed a command into the terminal, and the complex data analysis began immediately.
He typed a computer instruction into the terminal, and the complex data analysis began immediately.
🔗 Collocations
run a command – To execute an instruction typed in a command line.
command line – A text-based interface for entering computer commands.
command prompt – A visual indicator where commands can be typed.
🔄 Synonyms
instruction (n.) – A directive given to a computer processor.
directive (n.) – An official or authoritative instruction for a computer.
commandlet (n.) – A lightweight command in some scripting environments.
🚫 Antonyms
icon (n.) – A graphical representation for launching a program instead of a text command.
click (n.) – A mouse action that bypasses typed commands.
drag-and-drop (n.) – A user interface action used instead of commands.
🌱 Derivatives
commander (n.) – A software tool for managing files and commands (e.g., Total Commander).
Meaning 4：authority and control (command)
command
/kəˈmɑːnd/
v., n.
The authority and control that someone has, especially in the army or in a particular situation.
authority and control
➕
/əˈθɔːrəti ænd kənˈtroʊl/
v., n.
The power and authority someone has to lead or control a situation, especially in an organization or military.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
With years of experience, she now has command of the entire research and development department.
With years of experience, she now has authority and control over the entire research and development department.
🔗 Collocations
take command – To assume leadership and authority over a group or situation.
in command of – Having control and responsibility for something.
under the command of – Being led or directed by a specific person.
🔄 Synonyms
authority (n.) – The power or right to give orders and enforce rules.
control (n.) – The ability to manage or direct a situation.
leadership (n.) – The position of directing a group or organization.
🚫 Antonyms
subordination (n.) – The state of being under the authority of another.
obedience (n.) – Compliance with orders; lack of personal command.
servitude (n.) – Being forced to serve without authority.
🌱 Derivatives
commandment (n.) – A divine order or principle, e.g., the Ten Commandments.
commander (n.) – One who holds command, especially in military.
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