What does imperiously mean?
“Imperiously” is an adverb meaning in an imperious manner: with confident, dominating authority and little concern for others’ opinions. It often implies that a person is making a demand while expecting immediate obedience, and it commonly carries a critical or disapproving tone. The word can describe speech, such as an order issued with great self-assurance, or broader behaviour, such as someone moving or acting as though superiority were unquestioned. It is more formal and more strongly negative than simply saying that someone is “bossy,” although it may describe similar conduct with greater emphasis on apparent status or authority. In literary and formal contexts, “imperiously” is especially useful because it conveys both manner and social attitude in a single word.
adverbIn an imperious manner; with arrogant authority, often in a way that suggests an expectation of unquestioning obedience.
- In a domineering or arrogantly authoritative manner.
"She imperiously instructed the staff to rearrange the entire office before lunch."
"The chairman imperiously dismissed the proposal without allowing any discussion."
"She swept into the room imperiously, as if the building had been designed around her."
The word “imperiously” captures the mood of someone who expects a command to be obeyed before the sentence is even finished.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of imperiously
The word comes from Latin imperium, meaning “command” or “power,” and ultimately from the imperative form of imperare, “to command.” English developed imperious in the late 16th century in the sense “powerful or commanding,” and later acquired its modern meaning of “arrogantly domineering.” Imperiously is the adverb formed from that adjective and shares its Roman imperial and commanding associations with imperial, imperium, and emperor.
Related word forms
How imperiously is actually used
The adverb is formal and strongly critical in tone. It describes conduct, speech, or manner that is domineering and assumes superior authority.
Easily confused with imperiously
“Imperious” is an adjective describing arrogant authority, whereas “imperiously” is an adverb describing how someone acts or speaks in that manner.