different between authoritative vs imperious

English

Etymology

From authorit(y) +? -ative.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /????????te?t?v/, /???????t?t?v/
• (US) IPA^(key): /???????te?t?v/, /???????te?t?v/, /???????te?t?v/, /???????te?t?v/, /??????t?t?v/, /??????t?t?v/, /??????t?t?v/, /??????t?t?v/

Adjective

authoritative (comparative more authoritative, superlative most authoritative)

1. Arising or originating from a figure of authority

   The authoritative rules in this school come not from the headmaster but from the aged matron.

2. Highly accurate or definitive; treated or worthy of treatment as a scholarly authority

   This book is the world's most authoritative guide to insect breeding habits.

3. Having a commanding style.

   He instructed us in that booming, authoritative voice of his.

Synonyms

• (highly accurate): definitive; precise, proper
• (from a position of authority): of record

Derived terms

• authoritatively
• authoritativeness

Translations

English

Etymology

From Latin imperi?sus (“mighty, powerful”), from imperium (“command, authority, power”)

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?m?p???i.?s/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?m?p??i.?s/
• Rhymes: -??ri?s

Adjective

imperious (not comparable)

1. Domineering, arrogant, or overbearing.
   • 1866 – Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Gambler, translated by C. J. Hogarth

     ...she glanced about her in an imperious, challenging sort of way, with looks and gestures that clearly were unstudied.

2. Urgent.
   • 1891 – Ambrose Bierce, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

     Circumstances of an imperious nature, which it is unnecessary to relate here, had prevented him from taking service with that gallant army which had fought the disastrous campaigns ending with the fall of Corinth.

3. (obsolete) Imperial or regal.
   • 1899 – Stephen Crane, The Angel Child, Whilomville Stories

     She was quick, beautiful, imperious, while he was quiet, slow, and misty.

Synonyms

• (domineering): authoritarian, bossy, dictatorial, domineering, overbearing

Related terms

Translations