Having authority and control; inspiring respect and obedience through presence or manner. Can also describe a position that provides advantage or dominance.
From Old French commander, from Latin commandare meaning 'to commit to one's charge'. The present participle form developed the adjectival sense of authoritative presence by the 16th century, extending from military contexts to describe impressive or dominating qualities.
A 'commanding view' doesn't just mean you can see far - it implies a position of strategic advantage, like a general surveying a battlefield. This architectural and geographical usage shows how military metaphors have shaped our language about space and dominance in civilian contexts.
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