imperious Hear it!

imperious Definition

im·peri·ous (im pir′ē əs)

adjective

  1. overbearing, arrogant, domineering, etc.
  2. urgent; imperative

Etymology: L imperiosus < imperium, empire

imperious Related Forms

im·pe′ri·ously adverb im·pe′ri·ous·ness noun

imperious Synonyms

imperious

modif.

  1. Domineering

    overbearing, commanding, haughty; see autocratic 1, masterful, powerful 1.

  2. Urgent

    pressing, critical, imperative; see crucial, important 1, urgent 1. See syn. study at masterful.

imperious Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • voice: It here speaks with the imperious voice we are accustomed to hear from the morality of duty.
  • form: He's put the frame beyond doubt now, he really is in imperious form.
  • command: The King sent a second, and very imperious command to the Lord of Cardigan.
  • air: In two days he has adopted a slightly imperious air and patronizing manner.
  • performance: O'Sullivan produced an imperious performance last year, reducing John Higgins virtually to the role of appreciative spectator.
  • manner: Can he clear in the same imperious manner than Ronnie did?

Modifying Another Word

  • so: I am like a mother with her child; I endure anything from you; I, that was once so imperious and proud.
  • very: The King sent a second, and very imperious command to the Lord of Cardigan.

Used with adjective complement

look: Ranger made a quickfire 43, while Palin looked imperious as he smashed seven fours and a six.