What is the difference between 'predominant' and 'dominant'

Author: Bob
Updated Date 03/09/2011 22:24:20
Number of views: 1389

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What is the difference between 'predominant' and 'dominant'? How to use them correctly?

Bob - 03/09/2011 22:59:30

They are often interchangeable. It just depends on the context where you're using them.

Dominent: key/leading/most important.

For example:

Newspapers play a dominant role in shaping public opinion.

Smoking is the predominant cause of lung disorders.

Predominant: might be used more to mean 'more frequent' or 'more common'.

For example:

The most predominant colour in this room is beige.

(However, you could also say the dominant colour in this room is beige)

The largest dog is usually the dominant one in the pack.