Literary notes about imperious (AI summary)
The term "imperious" is often deployed to evoke an air of commanding authority, whether describing a domineering voice, a haughty character, or even the relentless force of nature. It accentuates the imposing, unyielding aspect of both individuals and their actions—as when a scolding voice or a sharp gesture leaves no room for dissent ([1], [2], [3]). At times, it paints personalities with an unchallengeable, almost regal dominance ([4], [5]), while in other contexts the word is used to suggest that even natural forces or inner passions carry an irresistible command ([6], [7]). This nuanced usage lends a textured quality to literary depictions of power and influence.
- As I advanced I heard an imperious voice scolding some one.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - With an imperious gesture, Katerina Ivanovna seized Alyosha by both hands.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - An imperious wave of his hand drove us all to the door.
— from The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie - I felt at times as if he were my relation rather than my master: yet he was imperious sometimes still; but I did not mind that; I saw it was his way.
— from Jane Eyre: An Autobiography by Charlotte Brontë - Mary asked, still in her imperious little Indian way.
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - But that imperious, that unconquer'd soul, No laws can limit, no respect control.
— from The Iliad by Homer - He let the first storm pass over him, yielding to its imperious will, making no effort to stem its fury lest he interrupt the inspiration.
— from The Jewish State by Theodor Herzl
