imperious
What does "imperious" mean?
The word "imperious" describes someone who acts like a ruler, assuming an air of absolute authority and expecting others to obey them without question. The mental image is of someone sitting on a high throne, looking down their nose at others, and gesturing dismissively as if their every whim is a law that must be followed. It is a formal, often critical term used to describe behavior that is overbearing, arrogant, or domineering. You would typically use it to characterize a bossy person who asserts power in a way that feels unearned or unnecessarily cold. It is a stronger, more negative word than "authoritative."
"imperious" in conversation
Office conflict
Our manager is being absolutely imperious about these new filing protocols.
Our manager is being absolutely imperious about these new filing protocols.
I know, he acts like we're his servants instead of his staff.
I know, he acts like we're his servants instead of his staff.
Used to criticize a superior who oversteps their boundaries.
Historical drama review
The actress gave a brilliant performance as the imperious queen.
The actress gave a brilliant performance as the imperious queen.
She really captured that cold, commanding presence perfectly.
She really captured that cold, commanding presence perfectly.
Often used to describe characters in literature or film who hold absolute power.
"imperious" in a sentence
The imperious child demanded that everyone stop talking immediately.
The imperious child demanded that everyone stop talking immediately.
She waved her hand with an imperious gesture, signaling for the waiter to leave.
She waved her hand with an imperious gesture, signaling for the waiter to leave.
Despite his lack of actual authority, he maintained an imperious demeanor that intimidated his colleagues.
Despite his lack of actual authority, he maintained an imperious demeanor that intimidated his colleagues.
