lorded over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lorded over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone exercises power or control over another person in a domineering or condescending manner. Example: "He always lorded over his colleagues, making them feel inferior in meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even a well-established country like Austria can feel lorded over by far-larger Germany.

The New York Times

Floating pads of vegetation drifted by, some lorded over by a solitary heron.

The Guardian - Travel

Highgarden of the Reach, however, lorded over by the Tyrells, promises rich scenery with delicious vintages and sweets.

Britannica

But Greece remains a nation suspicious of outsiders — when you've been lorded over by the Ottomans you don't want to be lorded over by central bankers — and a place where state structures command scant loyalty.

The New York Times

This one is lorded over by a massive, mustard-yellow cathedral that shines bright in the afternoon sun.

The New York Times - Travel

I sat there in the deepening twilight, feeling as if I had scaled a high wall and fallen into an enigmatic world, lorded over by this bewitching lady.

The New York Times - Magazine

Over time, the soldiers and cowboys worked out how to share the open plains here, at some 3,000 feet, lorded over by snow-capped Mount Hermon.

The New York Times

Or as ComputerWorld eloquently puts it: "[Apple's App Store] is lorded over by an inscrutable team of guardians devoted to maintaining control over the platform".

TechCrunch

The defeat of the 1745 Jacobite rising decimated the antiquated social structure based around clans lorded over by chieftains.

Wikipedia

The United States, for its sweet 16 World Cup date, inherits an opponent that unimpressively lorded over Group H.

Los Angeles Times

Indeed, the business looks very different from the one Berg lorded over for much of his four-decade tenure at ICM and its predecessor agency Creative Management Associates.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lorded over" when you want to emphasize not just control, but also a sense of superiority or dominance, often in a way that others might perceive as arrogant or imposing.

Common error

Avoid using "lorded over" in situations where a neutral term like "managed" or "oversaw" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a connotation of arrogance or unjustified dominance, which can be inappropriate if that is not the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lorded over" functions as a verb phrase, specifically in the past tense. It describes the action of exerting power or control over someone or something, often with an implication of superiority or arrogance. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used to describe both literal and figurative dominance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lorded over" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of exerting control or dominance, often with an implication of superiority. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use. While it is acceptable in various contexts, it's crucial to be aware of its connotation of arrogance or condescension. Alternatives such as "dominated" or "reigned over" can be used when a more neutral tone is desired. Remember to use "lorded over" when you intend to highlight not just control, but also the way in which that control is exercised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominated

Focuses on having control or influence, omitting the sense of condescension.

reigned over

Implies a more formal and established authority.

ruled over

Similar to reigned over, but with less formality.

held sway over

Emphasizes influence and persuasive power.

presided over

Implies guidance and overseeing authority.

exercised control over

Directly states the act of controlling, lacking the nuance of superiority.

held power over

Emphasizes influence, not necessarily formal control.

held dominion over

Suggests absolute ownership and power.

had authority over

Highlights the right to give orders.

bossed around

Suggests informal control, often in a negative way.

FAQs

How to use "lorded over" in a sentence?

The phrase "lorded over" is used to describe a situation where someone or something exerts power or control over others in a domineering or condescending manner. For example, "The corporation "lorded over" its smaller competitors with aggressive pricing strategies."

What can I say instead of "lorded over"?

You can use alternatives such as "dominated", "reigned over", or "exercised control over", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lorded over" or "lorded above"?

"Lorded over" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Lorded above" is not a standard phrase and would likely be considered grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "lorded over" and "managed"?

"Lorded over" implies a domineering or superior attitude while exercising control. "Managed" is a more neutral term that simply indicates responsibility and oversight without the connotation of arrogance or abuse of power.