magisterial
A person who is magisterial can be distinguished and grand, or possibly just conceited and bossy. You will learn a lot if you listen to a magisterial presentation of early American history.
The Latin word for teacher is magister, so think of magisterial as describing a person with the great authority of a teacher or learned person. It can also mean related to the office of magistrate — think of magisterial documents or inquiries into a matter. If, however, someone calls you magisterial, he or she may think you are a bit pompous. It will irritate you if a person speaks to you in a magisterial tone!
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of or relating to a magistrate“official magisterial functions”
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used of a person's appearance or behavior; befitting an eminent person“she reigned in magisterial beauty”synonyms: distinguished, grand, imposingdignifiedhaving or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
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offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power“managed the employees in an aloof magisterial way”synonyms: autocratic, bossy, dominating, high-and-mighty, peremptorydomineeringtending to domineer
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Vocabulary lists containing magisterial
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In 19th-century London, orphan Oliver Twist runs away from a workhouse and takes up with a scrappy gang of thieves. Read the full text here.
When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the Zeitoun family faced not only the aftermath of the storm, but also the sudden and inexplicable arrest of Adbulrahman Zeitoun, a small business owner and father of four. Learn these words from their story, as reported by acclaimed writer Dave Eggers.