Ylivoimainen

Ylivoimainen is a Finnish adjective meaning dominant, superior, or overwhelming. It is used to describe something or someone that possesses greater power, skill, influence, or quality than others, often in a clear and decisive way. The term is common in everyday language, media, sports, politics, and military contexts to express clear superiority.

Etymology and form: Ylivoimainen is formed from yli- meaning over or above, and voimainen meaning powerful. The word inflects like a regular Finnish adjective (yllivoimaisen, ylivoimaista, ylivoimaisimmat, etc.). The related noun ylivoimaisuus denotes the state or quality of being superior or dominant, and the adverb ylivoimaisesti describes something done in an overwhelmingly or dominantly manner.

Usage and nuance: Ylivoimainen carries a sense of decisive superiority rather than merely being better. It can apply to people (ylivoimainen kilpailija, ylivoimainen voittaja), teams and performances (ylivoimainen johto, ylivoimainen suorituskyky), or forces (ylivoimainen voima). In translations, equivalents include “superior,” “dominant,” “overwhelming,” or “preeminent,” depending on context.

Examples:

- Hän on ylivoimainen kilpailija maailmanluokassa. (He is a dominant competitor in the world class.)

- Joukkue johti ylivoimaisesti koko ottelun. (The team led overwhelmingly for the entire match.)

See also: dominance, superiority, overwhelming force, hegemony.