What does imperator mean?
An imperator is a title associated with supreme command in ancient Rome. It was originally given to victorious generals as a mark of military distinction and authority, rather than as a permanent title. The Roman Senate and the soldiers involved in a general’s triumph played important roles in recognizing this status. During the imperial period, imperator became part of the formal titles used by Roman emperors, including in coin legends and official inscriptions. In later English, the word survives mainly in historical and antiquarian writing, though it may occasionally be used ceremonially to evoke Roman authority or victory. The term is related to emperor, empire, and imperative through Latin imperare, “to command,” and Latin imperium, “command” or “empire.” Although an imperator is often understood today as an emperor, the distinction remains important: the original title referred specifically to a victorious military leader, while its later imperial use reflected the ruler’s supreme position within the Roman state.
nounAn imperator was originally a victorious Roman general acclaimed with a title of supreme military authority; the title later became part of the Roman emperor’s formal style and is used today chiefly in historical contexts.
- A title borne by a victorious Roman general or military commander.
- A title or formal designation belonging to a Roman emperor.
"After the battle, the victorious general was proclaimed imperator by his troops."
"The Senate bestowed the title imperator on the general after his decisive victory."
"Coins issued during the period bore the emperor’s name with the title imperator."
The plural is grammatical but uncommon today, appearing mainly in historical, scholarly, or antiquarian contexts.
"Several Roman imperators received triumphal honors after defeating rival forces."
What began as a title of honor for victorious Roman generals became the most recognizable title of the Roman emperors.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imperator come from?
Imperator comes from Latin imperator, a title meaning “commander” or “military commander,” derived from imperare, “to command.” It was originally an honorific associated with victorious Roman generals and was later incorporated into the title of the Roman emperor. English emperor and empire came through the same Latin family of words, while imperative was derived from the related Latin imperativus, meaning “commanding” or “expressing a command.”
How imperator is actually used
The word is now chiefly historical or ceremonial. In modern English it is uncommon outside discussions of ancient Rome, imperial titles, and historical inscriptions or coinage.
Easily confused with imperator
Imperator originally denoted a victorious Roman general, whereas emperor denotes the sovereign ruler of an empire.