Imperious: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Imperious adjective. Expecting to be obeyed, in a proud and commanding way.
How to say it
im-PEER-ee-us/ɪmˈpɪəriəs/
4 syllables, stressed on the second (PEER).
Imperious in a sentence
With an imperious wave, the duchess sent the waiter for more ice.
The cat’s imperious yowl at five in the morning means breakfast, now.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- domineering
- haughty
- overbearing
- lordly
Opposite:
- humble
- meek
Where imperious comes from
From Latin imperium, command or rule.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The cat’s _____ yowl at five in the morning means breakfast, now.
- effete
- imperious
- punctilious
Show the answer
imperious: The cat’s imperious yowl at five in the morning means breakfast, now.