command
Definitions
To give an authoritative order; to direct with authority
命令；指挥
To have control or authority over; to be in a position to use or obtain
掌管，控制；能得到（尊重、资源等）
An authoritative order or instruction
命令，指令
Control or authority over something; thorough mastery (of a skill or language)
掌控，指挥权；（对技能、语言的）熟练掌握
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcom- (here intensive, 'fully') + mand (put into one's hand, from mandāre) = to place something completely into someone's hands — to give orders. The same image gives the noun sense: to hold command is to hold the whole thing in your grip, which is why it stretches from military orders to 'a command of English' (handling a language as easily as something held).
Root mand still carries 33 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.take command接管，取得指挥权
- 2.command respect赢得尊重
- 3.command center指挥中心
- 4.in command of掌管
- 5.command a view俯瞰，居高临下
Example Sentences
- 1.
The general commanded his troops to hold the bridge at all costs.
- 2.
She commands enormous respect among her colleagues.
- 3.
The captain took command of the ship after the storm.
- 4.
He has an impressive command of three languages.
Synonym Comparison
- command — give a formal, authoritative order; implies clear power to enforce
- order — broadest, everyday; can be neutral or harsh
- direct — instruct toward a goal, often procedural, less forceful
- instruct — order plus information on how to do it
- demand — insist forcefully on getting something, often from an equal or superior