VocabDictionary

control

/kənˈtroʊl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To determine the behavior or supervise the running of; to have power over.

Example Sentences:
  • The pilot had to control the aircraft manually during the storm.
  • It is difficult to control your emotions when you are under extreme stress.
2.noun

The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.

Example Sentences:
  • The government lost control of the situation after the protests began.
  • The remote control allows you to change channels from across the room.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “control”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'controllen', which came from the Anglo-Norman 'contreroller'. This originated from the Medieval Latin 'contrarotulare', meaning 'to check against a duplicate register' (from 'contra' meaning 'against' and 'rotulus' meaning 'roll' or 'scroll'). Originally, it referred to keeping a counter-roll to verify accounts.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'counter-roll' (the original meaning): you are keeping a list to check and verify that everything is going according to plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About “control

1. What is the meaning of “control” in English?

In English, control (verb) is defined as: “To determine the behavior or supervise the running of; to have power over.”.

2. How do you use “control” in a sentence?

The pilot had to control the aircraft manually during the storm.

3. What are English synonyms of “control”?

Common synonyms include:manage,regulate,command,supervise,dominate

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “control”?

Derived from the Middle English 'controllen', which came from the Anglo-Norman 'contreroller'. This originated from the Medieval Latin 'contrarotulare', meaning 'to check against a duplicate register' (from 'contra' meaning 'against' and 'rotulus' meaning 'roll' or 'scroll'). Originally, it referred to keeping a counter-roll to verify accounts.