He is a 'commanding' figure in American literature. [=he is an important and respected figure in American literature]
He has a 'commanding presence' when he speaks. [=he attracts attention when he speaks]
The hill provides a 'commanding view' of the surrounding countryside.
(..) ...knowing full well what merciless horrors they suffered... ...at the swords and spears of . Yet they stare now across the plain at Spartans... ...commanding free Greeks! The enemy outnumber us a paltry three to one. Good odds for any Greek. This day, we rescue a world (..)2006 300