English vocabulary · C1
Imperious
/ɪmˈpɪr.i.əs/ · adj.
It means acting like you are in total command. You give orders and expect people to obey right away, with no questions asked.
Watch the Imperious lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- The manager gave an imperious wave and everyone stopped.
- Her imperious tone made the new staff feel small.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- im — into (from Latin)
- perium — power to command (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- BOSSY — tells others what to do (Pushy & Everyday)
- DOMINEERING — forces control over others (Controls Everything)
- OVERBEARING — pushes too hard on others (Too Forceful)
Words with the same root
perium — power to command
- empire — lands ruled by one power
- emperor — ruler of an empire
- imperial — related to an empire or ruler
Lesson notes
Imperious. It means acting like you are in total command. You give orders and expect people to obey right away, with no questions asked.
Similar words are bossy, domineering, and overbearing. Use imperious when someone gives orders as if they have total power over others.
The manager gave an imperious wave and everyone stopped. Her imperious tone made the new staff feel small.
From Latin. im- means into. Perium means power to command. A person who steps into power and commands all. That is imperious.