Command: An Order Given, and a Skill Possessed
A command is an order, and also the authority to give one. It further means mastery of a subject, and in computing an instruction typed to a machine.
Command covers the order, the authority behind it, and the mastery that justifies it. That third sense is the interesting one: having a good command of Spanish means the language obeys you, which is the same relationship an officer has with a regiment.
- An order. *He gave the command to fire.*
- Authority over others. *She took command of the unit.*
- Mastery of a subject. *A fine command of English.*
- An instruction to a computer. *Type the command and press enter.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | command | Under his command. |
| Verb | command | He commands the ship. |
| Person | commander | The commander in chief. |
| Adjective | commanding | A commanding lead. |
| Noun | commandment | The ten commandments. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The hill commands a view of the whole valley.Commands here means overlooks and dominates.
- She has an excellent command of the material.Mastery — no authority over people involved.
- The book commands a high price.Attracts or deserves — the object gives, not obeys.
Command, order, instruction and directive
- Command — carries authority; disobeying it has consequences
- Order — the everyday equivalent, military and civilian alike
- Instruction — tells you how, not merely what
- Directive — formal and written, usually from an institution
- Request — no authority claimed, and refusable
From Old French *comander*, from Late Latin *commandare*, to entrust or order, built on *mandare*, to commit or command. The same *mandare* gives mandate, demand and recommend.
Command of or command over?
Command of a skill or subject; command over people or territory. *A command of French*, *command over the northern sector*.
What is a commanding lead?
One large enough that the opponent is unlikely to catch up — the leader controls the game.