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Definition of imperious

imperious

/ɪmˈpɪr.i.əs/
im · pe · ri · ous
Adverb:imperiously
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imperious Lexical Profile

imperious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant, domineering, and overbearing.

Example

"The director's imperious tone alienated several senior members of the research committee."

2

Urgent, pressing, or imperative; impossible to evade or ignore.

Example

"Faced with the imperious demands of winter, the villagers worked tirelessly to store enough firewood."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for imperious
Antonyms
View all antonyms for imperious

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'imperious' (overbearing, arrogant, and domineering) with 'impervious' (unable to be affected or penetrated) or 'imperial' (relating to an empire or emperor).

• Rhymes for imperious

• Nearby Words

imperially
imperil
imperilment
imperious
imperishability
imperishable
imperishably

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin imperiosus ('commanding, mighty, tyrannical'), derived from imperium ('command, supreme authority'), from imperare ('to command').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Imperious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/imperious
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