Imperial
ɪmˈpɪərɪəl
Definitions
3 meaningsRelating to or characteristic of an empire or an emperor; majestic; commanding; of superior size or quality.
ɪmˈpɪərɪəl
Relating to an empire or emperor
The imperial guard protected the emperor.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really, really big kingdom ruled by a king or queen. Anything 'imperial' is connected to that kingdom and is often fancy and important, like the royal palace or the king's fancy crown.
👶 For kids: Something that is big and fancy and belongs to a king or queen and their kingdom.
More Examples
The imperial eagle is a symbol of power.
The British Empire's imperial ambitions spanned across the globe.
How It's Used
"The imperial ambitions of Rome led to widespread conquest."
"The imperial palace was the seat of power during the dynasty's reign."
Possessing or displaying the characteristics of an emperor or empire, such as power, majesty, or great size.
ɪmˈpɪərɪəl
Superior or commanding
The general gave an imperial order.
💡 Simply: Think of someone acting like they're the boss, giving orders with confidence and expecting everyone to listen. That's an 'imperial' way of behaving!
👶 For kids: When someone acts like a boss and tells everyone what to do.
More Examples
The king's imperial manner intimidated his advisors.
The cat had an imperial gaze.
How It's Used
"She gave an imperial command, and the servants immediately obeyed."
(Often capitalized) Relating to a system of measures or units based on the British imperial system.
ɪmˈpɪərɪəl
A unit of measure or a product associated with an empire
The recipe called for imperial measurements, not metric.
💡 Simply: In some countries, they use a different set of measurement systems, like inches or pounds, which are called 'imperial' measurements.
👶 For kids: Like when you measure with inches and pounds instead of meters and kilograms.
More Examples
The old map used imperial units for distance.
Many countries switched from imperial to metric units of measure.
How It's Used
"The imperial system of measurements differs from the metric system."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
imperial system
A system of measurement based on the units used in the British Empire.
"The United States continues to use the imperial system for some measurements."
imperial power
A country that controls other countries or territories.
"The British Empire was once the most dominant imperial power."
Imperial Stout
A style of stout beer that is stronger and more flavorful than other stouts.
"He preferred a rich Imperial Stout over a lighter beer."
From Latin *imperialis*, meaning 'of the empire' or 'belonging to the emperor'. Derived from *imperium*, meaning 'command' or 'empire'. It has historical associations with powerful empires, such as the Roman and British empires.
Commonly used since the Roman Empire. Referenced in historical accounts of empires, monarchies, and their influence.
Memory tip
Think of a grand empire with a powerful leader. Imperial refers to that world and its ruler.
Word Origin
"command, empire"