imperious

im·pe·ri·ous

adjective \im-ˈpir-ē-əs\

Definition of IMPERIOUS

1

a : befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : commanding, dominant <an imperious manner>

b : marked by arrogant assurance : domineering

2

: intensely compelling : urgent <the imperious problems of the new age — J. F. Kennedy>

— im·pe·ri·ous·ly adverb

— im·pe·ri·ous·ness noun

Examples of IMPERIOUS

1. <an imperious little boy who liked to tell the other scouts what to do>
2. <an imperious movie star who thinks she's some sort of goddess>

Origin of IMPERIOUS

Latin imperiosus, from imperium

First Known Use: 1540

Related to IMPERIOUS

Synonyms

authoritarian, authoritative, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, domineering, bossy, masterful, overbearing, peremptory, tyrannical (also tyrannic), tyrannous

Antonyms

humble, lowly, modest, unarrogant, unpretentious

Related Words

arrogant, assumptive, disdainful, fastuous, haughty, highfalutin (also hifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-hat, huffy, important, lofty, lordly, overweening, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious, proud, self-asserting, supercilious, superior, toplofty (also toploftical), uppish, uppity; commanding, controlling, dictating, regimental; arbitrary, high-handed, imperial; directorial, magisterial; aggressive, assertive, self-assertive; imperative; conceited, narcissistic, pompous, vain; all-powerful, almighty, omnipotent; firm, stern

Near Antonyms

humble, meek, modest, unassuming; amenable, docile, obedient, tractable; indecisive, irresolute; acquiescent, compliant, passive, resigned, submissive, yielding

See Synonym Discussion at masterful

Rhymes with IMPERIOUS

cinereous, delirious, Guarnerius, mysterious, Tiberius