command
command — noun
1. a spoken or written instruction telling a person or animal what to do, especiall
a spoken or written instruction telling a person or animal what to do, especially in a military or official setting
The captain gave a clear command for the troops to advance toward the bridge.
command + for + person + to-infinitive
Hana's dog obeyed her command to stay perfectly still for the photo.
obey someone's command
The general issued a command that all non-essential personnel leave the building.
issue a command + that-clause
Failure to follow a direct command during training can result in serious consequences.
follow a command
The drill sergeant shouted a command across the field, and the recruits ran faster.
- give a command
- issue a command
- obey a command
- carry out a command
- follow a command
- order
less formal; used in everyday situations
- instruction
less authoritative; often about a procedure
- directive
more formal; used in official or corporate contexts
- request
a polite asking rather than an authoritative demand
Usage Note
Stronger and more formal than 'order'. 'Command' is often used in military, official, or hierarchical contexts. Common verbs paired with it: 'give', 'issue', 'obey', 'follow', 'carry out'.
Common Mistakes
2. the power to direct a situation, team, or organization and make the key decision
the power to direct a situation, team, or organization and make the key decisions about what will happen
After the earthquake, the mayor took command of all rescue operations in the city.
take command of something
General Kofi was put in command of the entire peacekeeping mission in the region.
in command of something
The new director has full command of the department and reports directly to the board.
have command of something
The colonel assumed command of the battalion during the most difficult phase of the campaign.
assume command of something
A captain must stay calm to keep command of the crew and the ship.
- take command of
- in command of
- have command of
- assume command
- under someone's command
- authority
broader legal or formal right to act
- control
more general; not limited to formal hierarchy
- leadership
focuses on guiding others rather than giving orders
- submission
state of being under someone else's control
Usage Note
Commonly used with prepositions 'of' or 'over'. Often appears in military, organizational, or emergency-response contexts. Contrast with noun sense 1: sense 1 is a specific instruction; sense 2 is ongoing authority.
3. an instruction that tells a computer, program, or device to perform a specific o
an instruction that tells a computer, program, or device to perform a specific operation
Ravi typed a simple command to delete all the temporary files from the server.
type + command + to-infinitive
The program stopped working because Tomás entered an invalid command at the prompt.
enter + command
Each command in the deployment script must end with a semicolon to run properly.
The engineer used a single command to restart the entire database system across all servers.
command + to-infinitive for purpose
You can run a batch command that copies files from one folder to another automatically.
run a command / batch command
- type a command
- enter a command
- run a command
- execute a command
- command prompt
- command line
- instruction
more general; can refer to any step in code
- directive
less common in computing; often used for configuration
- statement
a broader unit of code that may contain commands
Usage Note
Commonly used in terminal/command-line contexts. Verbs: 'type', 'enter', 'run', 'execute', 'issue'. A 'command' can also be a voice instruction to a virtual assistant.
Common Mistakes
4. the ability to use a skill or subject with a high level of understanding and ski
the ability to use a skill or subject with a high level of understanding and skillfulness
Dr. Okafor has an impressive command of three different programming languages.
command of [language / subject]
Nadia's command of Japanese grammar impressed all of her university professors.
Playing this piano piece well requires a strong command of advanced finger techniques.
strong / good / impressive command of
Wen's command of economic theory made her the top candidate for the research position.
A good translator must have a thorough command of both the source and target languages.
have a thorough command of
- command of language
- command of a subject
- good command of
- strong command of
- thorough command of
- mastery
implies total control and expert-level understanding
- proficiency
focuses on competence and skill level
- fluency
specifically about language ability; smoothness of use
- ignorance
complete lack of knowledge about a subject
Usage Note
Always followed by 'of' (command of a subject/language/skill). Often modified by adjectives like 'good', 'strong', 'excellent', 'thorough', 'perfect'.
Common Mistakes
5. a wide view of an area that can be seen from a high or favourable position
a wide view of an area that can be seen from a high or favourable position
The hotel balcony gave a wonderful command of the entire valley and the river below.
command of [area] — view sense
From the tower, the soldiers had a full command of the harbor entrance.
The hilltop restaurant offered a commanding view of the coastline stretching for miles.
commanding view — related adjective
The castle's position on the cliff gave it a fine command of the surrounding countryside.
- command of the valley
- command of the harbor
- fine command of
Usage Note
This sense is quite literary and less common in everyday speech. The related adjective 'commanding' (as in 'a commanding view') is more frequently used in modern English.
6. soldiers, military personnel, or territory placed under the responsibility of a
soldiers, military personnel, or territory placed under the responsibility of a single commanding officer
The entire command was ordered to relocate to a base closer to the border.
entire command — referring to the unit
Colonel Yusuf took charge of the southern command during the conflict.
southern / eastern / central command
Soldiers from the same command often train together before being sent overseas.
The Western Command covers more than two hundred square miles of desert terrain.
command as a geographic/administrative area
Each command in the air force maintains its own fleet of aircraft and support staff.
- a military command
- take command of a unit
- southern command
- central command
Usage Note
Typically goes with a geographic or functional label (e.g., 'Central Command', 'Training Command'). Capitalized when part of an official name.
at one's command
idiomavailable for someone to use whenever they need it
As the head chef, Beatriz has a full kitchen staff at her command every evening.
The billionaire had a private jet and a fleet of cars at his command at all times.
to know a lot about a subject or be very skilled at using something, such as a language or instrument
To get the job, you need to have a good command of written and spoken English.
Diego has a very good command of the violin for someone who has only been playing for three years.
take command
idiomto start being in charge of a situation, group, or organization
When the fire broke out, a nearby police officer immediately took command of the scene.
It took the new CEO several months to really take command of the struggling company.
working for a particular leader who is in charge of you
Rashida served under the general's command for more than five years before retiring.
Every sailor under the captain's command knew exactly what to do during the storm.
at your command
idiomIf you have a skill or resource at your command, you can use it fully and effectively.
Maya has a wide vocabulary at her command for writing essays.
With all the data at his command, Brian solved the problem quickly.
To be ready and willing to obey someone completely.
The soldiers are at the general's command and follow his orders.
Sara said, 'I am at your command; tell me what to do.'
Used to express that you are eager to do whatever someone asks.
When the boss asked for coffee, Diego said, 'Your wish is my command.'
Aiden smiled and replied, 'Your wish is my command, madam.'
command — verb
1. to tell someone with authority that they must do a particular thing
to tell someone with authority that they must do a particular thing
The officer commanded the soldiers to stand at attention as the general arrived.
command + object + to-infinitive
Priya commanded her assistant to prepare the quarterly report before Friday.
The king commanded that all taxes be paid by the end of the month.
command + that-clause
"I command you to stop what you are doing at once," the principal said firmly.
The law commands that employers provide a safe working environment for all staff.
command + that-clause — legal/formal context
- command someone to do something
- command that
- command an action
Grammar Patterns
command + object + to-infinitive
command + that-clause
command + object
Usage Note
Stronger and more formal than 'tell' or 'order'. In modern everyday English, 'command' is less common than 'tell' — reserve it for situations where clear authority is being exercised. The that-clause pattern often uses the subjunctive (e.g., 'that he go', not 'that he goes').
Common Mistakes
2. to be in charge of a group of people, especially in a military or organizational
to be in charge of a group of people, especially in a military or organizational setting, and decide what they do
General Aiko commanded more than ten thousand troops during the peacekeeping operation.
command + troops / soldiers / forces
The fleet was commanded by an experienced admiral who had served for over thirty years.
passive: be commanded by
Rohan commands a team of eight software engineers working on the new banking application.
Leila commanded the rescue mission with calm authority during the most dangerous moments.
command + mission / operation
Any captain commanding a ship must be ready for difficult decisions in bad weather.
command + ship / vessel / aircraft
- command a team
- command troops
- command a ship
- commanded by
- command an operation
Grammar Patterns
command + noun phrase
Usage Note
Unlike verb sense 1 (which focuses on giving a specific order), this sense describes an ongoing role as leader. It is often used with military units, ships, or project teams. The passive form ('be commanded by') is very common in formal descriptions.
Common Mistakes
3. to naturally attract or merit a beneficial response from others — for example, w
to naturally attract or merit a beneficial response from others — for example, winning their respect, attention, loyalty, or a premium payment
The young violinist commands a large and devoted audience wherever she performs.
command + audience / attention / following
Dr. Yara's groundbreaking research on climate change commands respect from scientists across the world.
command respect
The original painting commanded a record price of over three million dollars.
command + price / fee / salary
As a leader, she commands the loyalty of everyone who has ever worked for her.
command loyalty
The singer commands enormous attention on social media with every new post and announcement.
- command respect
- command attention
- command a high price
- command loyalty
- command a following
- command an audience
- lose
to fail to keep respect, attention, or loyalty
Grammar Patterns
command + noun phrase (respect / attention / price / loyalty)
Usage Note
The subject is typically a person, work, product, or quality that inherently deserves the response. The object is an abstract noun like 'respect', 'attention', 'admiration', 'loyalty', 'a high price', or 'a large audience'. This sense cannot be used with concrete objects like 'money' directly — you 'command a high salary', not 'command money'.
Common Mistakes
4. to be in a high position that looks over a wide area below
to be in a high position that looks over a wide area below
The castle commands a beautiful view of the river valley and the hills beyond it.
command + a view of something
The tower commands a panoramic view of the entire city center from its top floor.
From the dining room, the restaurant commands a spectacular view of the mountain range.
command + a spectacular / fine / sweeping view
The hilltop monument commands a fine view of the lake, drawing tourists from all over.
- command a view of
- command a panoramic view
- command a fine view
- command a sweeping view
- overlook
more common in everyday English
- look out over
less formal, conversational
Grammar Patterns
command + noun phrase (view / scene / landscape)
Usage Note
The subject is almost always a building, structure, hill, or location — not a person. This is a formal or literary use. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'has a view of' or 'overlooks'.
Common Mistakes
command — adjective
1. done because an authority figure requests or orders it, rather than by choice
done because an authority figure requests or orders it, rather than by choice
The pianist flew to the capital to give a command performance for the visiting president.
command performance
The pilot made a command landing after the control tower reported an engine fire.
command landing
In a command economy, the government decides what goods are produced and at what price.
command economy
All senior officers attended a command briefing at dawn before the operation.
command briefing
- command performance
- command decision
- command economy
- command landing
- command briefing
- mandatory
broader; applies to anything required, not just ordered from a high authority
- compulsory
emphasizes that there is no choice
- voluntary
done by choice, not because of an order
Usage Note
This adjective is very restricted in use — it only appears before specific nouns like 'performance', 'decision', 'economy', 'landing', or 'briefing'. It cannot be used freely like other adjectives (e.g., we do not say 'a command meeting').
Common Mistakes
❌ 'The command decision was made by the board.' (Ambiguous — could be noun sense) — Use 'command decision' only when emphasizing that the decision was ordered from above.
Word family
- commandernounB2
- commandingadjectiveB2
- commandmentnounC1
- commandantnounC1
- commandonounC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
All four words involve making someone do something, but they differ in authority and formality. 'Command' is the strongest and most formal — it implies unquestionable authority, especially in military or official settings ('The general commanded the troops to withdraw'). 'Order' is also authoritative but more flexible, used in both formal and everyday contexts ('The doctor ordered him to rest'). 'Direct' is neutral and professional, common in workplace settings ('The manager directed the team to finish the report'). 'Instruct' focuses on teaching the steps and often includes how to do something ('The instructor told us how to use the equipment'). 'Tell' is the most general and least formal ('She told me to wait outside'). For a superior giving a direct order with full expectation of obedience, use 'command'. For routine instructions in less hierarchical settings, 'tell', 'instruct', or 'direct' are more natural.
Common collocations
Etymology
The word 'command' entered English through Old French 'comander' (to order), which came from Vulgar Latin 'commandare'. This Latin root is a combination of 'com-' (with, together) and 'mandare' (to entrust, to order). The original sense was 'to entrust to someone's charge', which later shifted toward giving authoritative orders. The computing meaning emerged in the mid-20th century with the rise of digital computers and command-line interfaces.