What does hegemonic mean?
Hegemonic means dominant, commanding, or able to exercise disproportionate influence over other people, institutions, or states. The word is especially used in political and cultural contexts: a hegemonic power controls or strongly shapes a region, while hegemonic influence describes the overwhelming effect one individual, organization, or idea has on a wider sphere. Its connotation is often critical, since describing something as hegemonic can imply that other voices have been excluded, subordinated, or forced into a narrow pattern. The adjective derives from hegemony, a term for supremacy or dominant rule, and ultimately from Greek words associated with leading. It is more formal and analytical than everyday alternatives such as dominant or powerful, and it is especially appropriate when discussing relations among states, institutions, and competing cultural forces.
adjectiveRelating to or characterized by hegemony; holding dominant power, authority, or influence over others.
- Holding dominant political, military, economic, or cultural power over others.
- Characterized by overwhelming influence, authority, or predominance within a sphere.
"The nation rejected any attempt by its former hegemonic rival to dominate the region."
"The treaty was designed to prevent a single hegemonic power from controlling the region."
"Critics argued that the broadcaster's hegemonic influence narrowed public debate."
From a Greek word meaning "leader," hegemonic describes the power of a state or group that shapes the choices of others.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hegemonic come from?
Hegemonic derives from hegemony, which comes from Greek hēgemonia, meaning leadership or rule, and ultimately from hēgeisthai, meaning to lead. The related Greek noun hegemon means a leader or ruler. English borrowed these forms in political contexts, where the idea of one state exercising supremacy over others became especially important in modern international relations.
Related word forms
How hegemonic is actually used
Hegemonic is a formal term common in political, historical, and cultural analysis. It often carries a negative implication because it suggests domination that limits the autonomy or diversity of others.
Easily confused with hegemonic
Hegemonic is the adjective describing dominant rule or influence, while hegemony is the noun naming that dominance or supremacy.