- 1[only before noun] in a position of authority that allows you to give formal orders Who is your commanding officer?
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- 2[usually before noun] if you are in a commanding position or have a commanding lead, you are likely to win a race or competition
- 3[usually before noun] powerful and making people admire and obey you a commanding figure/presence/voice
- 4[only before noun] if a building is in a commanding position or has a commanding view, you can see the area around very well from it The castle occupies a commanding position on a hill.
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