imperiously

IPA/ɪmˈpɪəriəsli/
IPA/ɪmˈpɪriəsli/

imperiously — adverb

1. acting with proud confidence that everyone should obey you at once, showing litt

1.adverbC1
Definition

acting with proud confidence that everyone should obey you at once, showing little respect for the people around you

Example

Aarav waved his hand imperiously at the waiter and called him over.

imperiously + verb of gesture (waved hand)

"Bring me the files now," the department head said imperiously, without looking up.

quoting direct speech + imperiously said

Synonyms
  • bossily

    more informal, everyday situations like telling coworkers what to do

  • domineeringly

    emphasises controlling others through a forceful personality

  • high-handedly

    focuses on using one's position to decide without consulting others

Antonyms
  • humbly

    with modesty and respect for others

  • deferentially

    showing polite respect and willingness to follow others' wishes

Grammar Patterns

imperiously + verb (speak / gesture / demand)

Usage Note

Most often used with verbs of speaking or gesturing (said, demanded, waved, pointed, strode). The tone is always critical — you would not describe your own behaviour as imperiously.

Common Mistakes

She imperiously entered the room.
She strode imperiously into the room.
The adverb naturally pairs with a more descriptive verb of movement or speech; a bare verb like 'entered' sounds flat.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Imperiously and bossily both describe a commanding manner, but imperiously carries a stronger sense of someone who assumes a natural right to rule over others, while bossily is more informal and often applies to everyday situations such as telling friends or colleagues what to do. Domineeringly emphasises trying to control others through an overbearing personality, whereas high-handedly focuses on using one's official position to make decisions without asking anyone. Authoritatively can be neutral or even positive — it suggests legitimate expertise or leadership — so it is the only word in this group that is not always negative. For example: 'The coach authoritatively explained the new play' (respectful confidence) versus 'The coach imperiously ordered everyone to follow his plan' (arrogant command).

bossilydomineeringly ↗high-handedlyauthoritatively ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • quite imperiously
  • rather imperiously
  • almost imperiously

Phrases

  • speak imperiously
  • gesture imperiously
  • demand imperiously
  • stride imperiously

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin imperiosus ('commanding, powerful, domineering'), itself from imperium ('command, authority, empire'). The suffix -ous turns the noun into an adjective meaning 'full of command', and then the adverb suffix -ly creates 'in a commanding manner'. The word entered English in the 16th century and has kept its negative tone ever since.