Explanation at your level:
A command is an order. If a teacher says 'Sit down!', that is a command. You must listen to it. It is a strong way to tell someone what to do.
When you are in command, you are the leader. You give orders to other people. For example, a police officer can give a command to stop your car.
The word command is used when someone with power gives an instruction. It is more serious than a request. You might hear it in movies about the army or the navy.
Command implies authority. It is used in professional contexts to describe someone who has control over a situation or a group of people. It is also used in technology for instructions given to software.
Beyond its literal meaning, command can describe a person's mastery over a subject, such as 'a command of the English language.' It suggests a deep, authoritative grasp of a skill or field of study.
Historically rooted in Latin, command denotes the exercise of absolute authority. In literary contexts, it can describe the imposing presence of a leader or the inherent power of nature. It signifies not just an order, but the weight of the person issuing it.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A command is an authoritative order.
- It is used in military, tech, and professional settings.
- It can also mean a mastery of a skill.
- It is a formal word that implies power and control.
When you hear the word command, think of someone in charge giving a clear, direct instruction. It isn't a suggestion; it is a firm expectation that you will do what is asked. Whether it is a general leading troops or a boss directing a team, a command carries weight and authority.
In everyday life, we use this word to describe situations where power dynamics are clear. If you are in command, you are the one responsible for making decisions. It is a strong, serious word that implies a level of control and hierarchy that you don't find in casual requests.
The word command has a fascinating journey through history. It comes from the Old French word commander, which traces back to the Latin commandare, meaning 'to commit to one's charge.' It is essentially about entrusting a task to someone else.
Over centuries, it evolved from a general sense of 'entrusting' into the more rigid, military-focused meaning we use today. It shares roots with 'mandate' and 'mandatory,' highlighting how these words are all about duties and requirements. It is a classic example of how Latin roots continue to shape our modern English vocabulary.
You will often see command paired with verbs like 'issue,' 'obey,' or 'defy.' For example, a general might issue a command, and soldiers are expected to obey the command. It is a formal word, so you wouldn't use it to ask a friend to pass the salt.
In a professional setting, you might hear someone say they are 'in command of the situation,' meaning they have everything under control. It is a word of authority, so use it when you want to emphasize that someone is the boss or that an order is non-negotiable.
1. At someone's command: Ready to do whatever someone wants. Example: 'He had a team of assistants at his command.' 2. Take command: To assume control. Example: 'She took command of the project during the crisis.' 3. Chain of command: The hierarchy of authority. Example: 'You need to follow the chain of command.' 4. In command: Being in charge. Example: 'The captain is in command of the ship.' 5. Command respect: To deserve and receive respect. Example: 'Her experience makes her command respect from everyone.' 6. By royal command: An order from royalty. Example: 'The play was performed by royal command.'
As a noun, command is countable. You can have one command or many commands. In American English, the 'a' sound is often broader, while British English tends to be sharper. The stress is on the second syllable: kə-MAND.
It rhymes with words like 'demand,' 'expand,' and 'reprimand.' When using it as a verb, it follows the pattern 'command someone to do something.' It is a very versatile word that functions as both a noun and a verb, making it a staple in both military and technical English.
Fun Fact
It shares the same root as 'mandate', which is why both relate to laws and orders.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'kuh-MAHND'
Sounds like 'kuh-MAND'
Common Errors
- Misplacing stress
- Pronouncing the 'd' too softly
- Confusing with 'comment'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Imperative Mood
Sit down!
Verb Patterns
Want/Command someone to do
Prepositional Phrases
In command of
Examples by Level
The captain gave a command.
captain = leader of ship
Simple subject-verb-object
Follow my command.
follow = do what is said
Imperative sentence
He is in command.
in command = boss
Prepositional phrase
The dog obeyed the command.
obeyed = listened
Past tense verb
Give the command now.
now = at this time
Direct order
I heard a loud command.
loud = high volume
Adjective + noun
The command was clear.
clear = easy to understand
Linking verb
She has a command.
has = possesses
Basic verb usage
The sergeant issued a command.
He took command of the team.
The computer received a command.
They ignored the command.
The command was unexpected.
She is second in command.
He gave a command to start.
The command echoed loudly.
The general gave the command to retreat.
He has a good command of French.
The officer is in command of the base.
You must follow the chain of command.
The software executed the command.
She commands respect from her peers.
The command was given in a firm voice.
He refused to obey the command.
His command of the subject is impressive.
She assumed command after the captain fell.
The command structure is very rigid.
He issued a command that surprised everyone.
The system failed to process the command.
She is in command of her own destiny.
The command was relayed via radio.
They were under the command of a veteran.
He displayed an excellent command of rhetoric.
The commander held command over the entire region.
The situation is now under his command.
She possesses a deep command of historical facts.
The command was issued with absolute authority.
He struggled to maintain command of the meeting.
The command line interface is for experts.
Her command of the situation was masterful.
His command of the nuances of the law is unparalleled.
The king held command over the vast territories.
She exercised command with a gentle but firm hand.
The command of the language was evident in his prose.
He lost command of his emotions during the speech.
The command was an imperative that could not be ignored.
Their command of the market remains strong.
The command of the forces was delegated to the general.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"at someone's beck and call"
always ready to obey
He is not at your beck and call.
casual"take the helm"
to take control
It is time for you to take the helm.
neutral"call the shots"
to be the person in charge
She is the one calling the shots now.
casual"run the show"
to be in charge
He has been running the show for years.
casual"in the driver's seat"
in control
Now that you are the manager, you are in the driver's seat.
neutral"wear the pants"
to be the boss
They say she wears the pants in that family.
casualEasily Confused
Similar spelling/sound
Comment is an opinion; command is an order.
He made a comment on the command.
Rhymes and similar meaning
Demand is an urgent request; command is an authoritative order.
He demanded a refund, which was a command.
Similar spelling
Commend means to praise.
I commend you for following the command.
Related meaning
Mandate is usually legal/official.
The law is a mandate, not just a command.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + command + someone + to + verb
The officer commanded the soldiers to march.
Be + in + command + of + noun
She is in command of the department.
Issue + a + command
The boss issued a command to finish early.
Command + respect
His wisdom commands respect.
Under + the + command + of
We served under the command of General Lee.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Command is too aggressive for daily polite talk.
They sound slightly similar but mean totally different things.
It needs a target.
It can function as both.
Commands are usually for people or systems.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a general in your living room giving orders.
Professionalism
Use it to show you are taking charge.
Military Context
It is the standard word in military life.
Verb Pattern
Always remember: Command + someone + to + verb.
Stress
Put the stress on the second syllable.
Don't be rude
Don't command your friends!
Etymology
It comes from 'entrusting' tasks.
Contextual Learning
Read military history to see it in action.
Vowel sound
Practice the 'a' sound carefully.
Tech context
Learn about command-line interfaces.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Command: The COMmander MANages the D-uties.
Visual Association
A general standing with a baton, pointing at a map.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to identify three times today where someone gives you an instruction and see if it feels like a 'command'.
Word Origin
Latin/French
Original meaning: To entrust
Cultural Context
Can sound bossy if used in a casual social setting.
Commonly used in military, legal, and technical contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Military
- Chain of command
- Issue a command
- Obey orders
Computing
- Run a command
- Command line
- Execute command
Management
- Take command
- In command
- Command respect
Education
- Command of language
- Command of facts
- Clear command
Conversation Starters
"Who is in command of your team at work?"
"Do you think it's important to have a good command of your emotions?"
"Have you ever had to take command of a difficult situation?"
"What is the best way to command respect from others?"
"Do you know how to use the command line on a computer?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to take command of a situation.
Write about a leader you admire and how they command respect.
Reflect on a time you had to follow a command you didn't like.
How does having a good command of a language open doors for you?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it can be a noun or a verb.
Avoid using it in social settings; use 'request' instead.
They are very similar, but 'command' is often used for military or high-level authority.
Yes, computer commands are very common.
Someone who has a strong, authoritative presence.
It depends on the context; it is expected in the army but rude at home.
Commands.
Yes.
Test Yourself
The captain gave a ___.
A captain gives orders.
Which word means to be in charge?
Being in command means being in charge.
A command is a polite suggestion.
A command is an order, not a suggestion.
Word
Meaning
These are synonyms.
Subject + verb + object.
Score: /5
Summary
A command is a powerful instruction that demands action.
- A command is an authoritative order.
- It is used in military, tech, and professional settings.
- It can also mean a mastery of a skill.
- It is a formal word that implies power and control.
Memory Palace
Imagine a general in your living room giving orders.
Professionalism
Use it to show you are taking charge.
Military Context
It is the standard word in military life.
Verb Pattern
Always remember: Command + someone + to + verb.
Example
그는 상관의 명령에 따랐다.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More military words
진격하다
A1To move forward in a determined way, especially in battle; to advance.
공군
A2The branch of a nation's armed forces that conducts aerial warfare; air force.
경보
A2A signal or sound warning of danger; alarm.
갑옷
A1Protective covering worn to defend the body in battle; armor.
육군
A2The land-based branch of a nation's armed forces; army.
공격
A1An act of assaulting or launching an offensive against an enemy.
공격하다
A1To launch an assault or offensive against an enemy; to attack.
피하다
A1To keep away from or prevent; to avoid, dodge.
전쟁터
B1A place where a battle is fought; battlefield.
국경
B1A line separating two countries; border.
