mindmap root((主导)) dominant applies to something that is uppermost because it rules or controls: a ~ wolf. predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence on a person or a situation: at the time fear was my ~ emotion. paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction: inflation was the ~ issue in the campaign. preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others with which it may come into comparison in influence, power, number, or effect: ~ evidence in his favor. sovereign indicates quality or rank to which everything else is clearly subordinate or inferior: the ~ power resides in the people.