PRONUNCIATION:

(im-PEER-ee-uhs) 

MEANING:

adjective:
1. Domineering; dictatorial.
2. Urgent; imperative.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin imperare (to command) which also resulted in imperative, emperor, empire, and imperial. Earliest documented use: 1541.

USAGE:

“She had an imperious manner that dared anyone to get in her way. She wore impeccable suits.”
Helen Stringer; Spellbinder; Macmillan; 2009.