Imperious Meaning
/ɪmˈpɪə̯.ɹi.əs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjDomineering, arrogant, or overbearing.
adjUrgent; intensely compelling.
Sentence Examples
The imperious tone was off-putting.
The queen's imperious demeanor commanded respect.
She gave commands in a loud and imperious tone.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ nobleman ordered his servants around with a loud, demanding voice all day.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The manager had an ____ manner that made most of his employees feel quite uncomfortable.
Word Origin & History
From Latin imperiōsus (“mighty, powerful”), from imperium (“command, authority, power”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The frowning lookes of fiery Tamburlaine,
That with his terrour and imperious eies,
Commands the hearts of his aſſociates, […]"
— c. 1587–1588 (date written), [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592, →OCLC; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire; London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, Act IIII, scene i:
"[…] she glanced about her in an imperious, challenging sort of way, with looks and gestures that clearly were unstudied."
— 1866, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, translated by C. J. Hogarth, The Gambler:
"She was quick, beautiful, imperious, while he was quiet, slow, and misty."
— 1899, Stephen Crane, The Angel Child, Whilomville Stories:
"I had travelled one morning down to Aylesbury, and had left my train, and was about to cross the footbridge, when I heard the imperious whistle of a "B1." I paused, and round the bend came the "Master Cutler" with its engine working absolutely flat out."
— 1955 April, W. J. Alcock, “Unforgettable Moments”, in Railway Magazine, page 271:
"“Hey, sir? Sir, excuse me?” The blonde was calling out to him, in imperious tones that insisted on a reply."
— 2001, Salman Rushdie, Fury: A Novel, London: Jonathan Cape, →ISBN, page 4:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ nobleman ordered his servants around with a loud, demanding voice all day.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The manager had an ____ manner that made most of his employees feel quite uncomfortable.