imperious

[im-peer-ee-uhs]

adjective

1. domineering in a haughty manner; dictatorial; overbearing: an imperious person.

   an imperious manner;

   an imperious person.

   Synonyms: arrogant, despotic, tyrannical
   Antonyms: submissive

2. urgent; imperative.

   imperious need.

   Synonyms: necessary
   Antonyms: unnecessary

imperious

/ ɪmˈpɪərɪəs /

adjective

1. domineering; arrogant; overbearing

2. rare,  urgent; imperative

Other Word Forms

• imperiousness noun
• imperiously adverb
• nonimperious adjective
• nonimperiousness noun
• unimperious adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperious¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin imperiōsus “commanding, tyrannical,” equivalent to imperi(um) imperium + -ōsus -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperious¹

C16: from Latin imperiōsus from imperium command, power

Example Sentences

But the imperious Jaiswal remained, reaching his second century of the series from 127 balls as he expertly punished England's inconsistency.

From BBC

Scottie Scheffler continued his imperious march towards a first Open Championship title in a third round which had contained all the ingredients to set up a classic.

From BBC

His imperious frontrunning style, unwavering belief and outspoken rivalry with Britain's Josh Kerr will make him one of the sport's biggest draws.

From BBC

Scheffler was suddenly imperious, picking up further strokes with ridiculous ease at the 14th and 15th.

From BBC

Its inhabitants are those of “there will always be an England” England: stern vicars, timid curates, lords and earls, penniless titled wastrels living on allowances from their uncles, imperious aunts, upper-crust twits.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrogant 
• autocratic 
• dictatorial 
• domineering 
• exacting 
• haughty 
• high-handed 
• tyrannical