Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having the power to control or determine policy: Describes a person, group, or thing that has the authority, influence, or ownership share necessary to direct decisions and outcomes.
   • Exerting a directing or regulating influence: Describes an action or behavior that serves to command, restrain, or manage something.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • She has a controlling interest in the company, so her vote decides major policies.
  • His controlling behavior made it difficult for the team to work independently.
  • The government introduced controlling measures to stabilize the economy.

Advanced Usage

• "Controlling for [variable]": In statistics and research, this phrase means to account for or neutralize the effect of a specific factor to isolate the relationship between other variables.
  • The study examined the link between diet and health, controlling for age and exercise habits.

Variants and Related Words

• Control (verb/noun): To exercise restraint or direction; the power to influence or direct.

  • Verb: She learned to control her temper.
  • Noun: He took control of the situation.

• Controller (noun): A person or device that controls.

  • She is the financial controller for the department.

• Controlled (adjective): Restrained, managed, or kept within limits.

  • The fire was brought under controlled conditions.

Synonyms

• Dominant: Having power and influence over others.
• Commanding: Exercising authority.
• Governing: Conducting the policy and affairs of a state or organization.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• To have control over: To possess the power to manage or direct.
  • The board has control over all budgetary decisions.

Related Idioms

• To be in the driver's seat: To be in control of a situation.
  • With the new contract signed, our company is finally in the driver's seat.

Adjective

1. able to control or determine policy
   • a controlling interest in the firm