different between lordly vs imperious

English

Alternative forms

• Lordly

Etymology

From Middle English louerdlich, lordlyche, lordeliche, from Old English hl?fordl?? (“lordly; heroic; noble”), equivalent to lord +? -ly.

The adverb is from Middle English lordly, lordely, lordliche.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?l??(?)dli/

Adjective

lordly (comparative lordlier or more lordly, superlative lordliest or most lordly)

1. Of or relating to a lord.

   Show us your lordly might: demonstrate that you can order people and get them to obey.

   • 1880, John Nichols, The Gentleman's Magazine - Volume 248 - Page 60:

     But they are the peers of the Queensland Parliament, and, having no lordly robes, must approach the Old Country model as closely as possible.

   • 2006, Steve Wharton, Screening Reality - Page 104:

     [...] in that some form of duty and sacrifice (here, participation in the 1848 Revolution and a recognition of his lordly duty) is not only beneficially character- forming but also leads ultimately to a condition which is 'sublime'.

   • 2011, Thomas Smith, C. Matthew McMahon, Therese B. McMahon, Select Memoirs of the English and Scottish Divines: - Page 282:

     Samson, in reply to this, says, “If you are not lordly, nor value your lordly title, as you tell me, and I trust in truth and sincerity, shall I call you a phoenix?

   • 2011, Mary Jane Staples, Appointment At The Palace: An Adams Family Saga Novel - Page 275:

     [...] he's still got his lordly habits, and more so since coming out of the war as a general.' 'A colonel, Sammy,' said Rachel. 'Same thing, good as,' said Sammy. 'Boots, of course, does wear his lordly crown with style,' said Rachel. 'Don't I know it?

2. Having the qualities of a lord; lordlike; noble
3. Appropriate for, or suitable to, a lord; glorious.
   • 1849, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, In Memorium A. H. H.

     The maidens gathered strength and grace / And presence, lordlier than before.
4. Proud; haughty; imperious; insolent.

Derived terms

• lordliness

Translations

Adverb

lordly (comparative lordlier, superlative lordliest)

1. In the manner of a lord. Showing command or nobility.
   • 1891, Sir Edwin Arnold, The Light of the World: Or, The Great Consummation,^[1] Book I — “Mary Magdalene”, Funk & Wagnalls, page 56,

     […] / And Herod's painted pinnaces, ablaze / With lamps, and brazen shields and spangled slaves, / Came and went lordly at Tiberias; / […]

Anagrams

• drolly

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