imperioso

imperious

adjective eem-peh-RYOH-zoh Rare

Origin: From Latin imperiosus, from imperium ('command, power').

Also means

urgent

Usage Note

Imperioso carries two distinct senses learners should not conflate: it can describe an arrogant, commanding manner ('imperious') or an urgent, pressing need ('an imperious necessity'). Context disambiguates: un tono imperioso = a bossy tone; un bisogno imperioso = an urgent need. The feminine form is imperiosa.

Examples

"Diede ordini con un tono imperioso."

Natural Translation

He gave orders in an imperious tone.

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