Dominion

noun

/dəˈmɪnjən/

A self-governing territory within the British Empire that acknowledged the Crown as head of state while exercising internal sovereignty.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Although the princely states ceded their dominion to the Indian Union at independence, the architects of the Constitution were careful to ensure that ultimate sovereignty rested not with any ruler but with "We, the People."

Synonyms

sovereigntyruleauthoritycontroljurisdictionsuzerainty

Antonyms

subjectionsubserviencedependencesubordination

🌱 Word Family

dominate (v), dominant (adj), dominance (n), dominator (n), dominions (n pl)

🔡 Root

Latin dominus = lord; domus = house; dominium = lordship, right of ownership; Old French dominion

📜 Etymology

From Middle English dominion, via Old French from Latin dominium ("lordship, right of ownership"), from dominus ("lord"), from domus ("house").

🧠 Memory Hook

Think "DOMINus" — the Latin lord/master of the house: a dominion is the domain where the dominus holds dominating power.

⚖️ Polity & Constitution 📖 Seen in: Indian Constitution — Historical Under...

Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation