adj.
Pronunciation: im- ' pir- ē - ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin imperiosus, from imperium
Date: 1540
1 a : befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : COMMANDING , DOMINANT <an imperious manner> b : marked by arrogant assurance : DOMINEERING
2 : intensely compelling : URGENT <the imperious problems of the new age ― J. F. Kennedy>
synonyms see MASTERFUL
– im · pe · ri · ous · ly adverb
– im · pe · ri · ous · ness noun