Imperial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imperial

[ษชmหˆpษชษ™riษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

measurement

relating to an empire or emperor

Synonyms

monarchical, regal, royal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
imperial

Used when referring to something related to an empire or emperor, often conveying a sense of grandeur or dominance.

  • The Roman Empire was known for its imperial architecture.
  • His style had an imperial elegance that couldn't be ignored.
regal

Used to describe something that is fit for a king or queen, often implying majesty and dignity.

  • She carried herself with a regal grace that impressed everyone.
  • The palace was decorated in a regal manner.
royal

Used to refer to something related to a king, queen, or their family, often highlighting prestige and splendor.

  • They attended a royal banquet at the castle.
  • He was fascinated by the history of the British royal family.
monarchical

Used when discussing matters related to a monarchy or a king's or queen's rule, with a focus on the governmental system.

  • The country's monarchical structure has remained unchanged for centuries.
  • She studied the governance of monarchical societies.

Examples of usage

  • imperial measurements
  • imperial rule
Context #2 | Adjective

size

large or impressive

Synonyms

grand, imposing, majestic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
imperial

Use when referring to something related to an empire or sovereign authority, often conveying a sense of grandeur or dominance.

  • The imperial palace stood at the heart of the city, symbolizing the strength of the empire
majestic

Fits well when depicting something that inspires awe and wonder, with a sense of beauty and grandeur, often linked to nature or regal attributes.

  • The majestic mountains stretched out before us, covered in a blanket of snow
grand

Suitable for describing something large, impressive, or splendid, often used in a more general sense.

  • The hotel lobby was grand, with its tall ceilings and crystal chandeliers
imposing

Best used when describing something that strikes awe or admiration due to its large size or powerful appearance, can sometimes carry a slightly negative or overwhelming connotation.

  • The castle was imposing, with its towering walls and dark, ancient stones

Examples of usage

  • an imperial palace
  • an imperial feast
Context #3 | Noun

measurement

a unit of measurement for length or area in the British system, equal to 12 inches or 1/3 yard (0.3048 meter)

Synonyms

foot, inch, yard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
imperial

Used to describe things related to an empire or emperor, often suggesting grand scale and authority. It can also refer to the British Imperial system of measurements.

  • The imperial palace was a symbol of the emperor's power.
  • The recipe called for imperial measurements, such as pints and gallons.
foot

A unit of length in the British Imperial and U.S. customary systems, equal to 12 inches. Commonly used in everyday situations to measure shorter distances.

  • The table is six feet long.
  • He is six feet tall.
yard

A larger unit of length in the British Imperial and U.S. customary systems, equal to 3 feet or 36 inches. Often used for measuring medium distances or areas.

  • The garden is 30 yards wide.
  • The football field measures 100 yards.
inch

A smaller unit of length within the British Imperial and U.S. customary systems, equal to one-twelfth of a foot. Suitable for more precise or smaller measurements.

  • The photo frame measures 8 inches by 10 inches.
  • He moved the chair just a few inches to the left.

Examples of usage

  • a piece of wood 3 inches by 4 inches by 6 inches in length is 3 board feet or 0.25 cubic foot; and the same piece of wood at 6 inches by 8 inches by 10 inches is 6 board feet or 0.5 cubic foot, etc.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The British Empire, at its height, was the largest empire in history, ruling over 25% of the world's land and population.
  • The term 'imperialism' describes a policy where a country extends its power through colonization or military force.
  • Ancient Rome is one of the earliest examples of an empire, influencing law, governance, and infrastructure that still shape the world today.

Politics

  • Imperial systems can lead to tensions and conflicts, especially in areas where different cultures intersect.
  • Modern discussions on imperialism continue to influence political ideologies and relationships between countries.
  • Some contemporary leaders are referred to as 'imperial' when displaying authoritative or controlling behaviors.

Arts and Culture

  • The imperial theme has inspired countless works of art, literature, and movies, showcasing the grandeur and complexities of empires.
  • Imperial architecture often features grand designs meant to impress, such as the Palace of Versailles in France.
  • Many historical novels explore the impacts of imperial rule on local cultures and social structures.

Science

  • The term is used in various scientific disciplines, such as 'imperial measurements', which refer to the traditional system of measurement in the UK.
  • In biology, 'imperial' can describe a specific type of classification within the hierarchy of animal or plant species.
  • Astronomy uses 'imperial' in naming certain star systems that are central to their galactic structures.

Origin of 'imperial'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'imperialis', which means 'of an empire' or 'commanding.'
  • Originally, it described the rule of emperors and their power over vast territories.
  • In the 15th century, it began to be used in English to denote anything related to a large and powerful empire.

The word 'imperial' has its origins in the Latin word 'imperialis', which means 'of or relating to an empire'. The term was first recorded in English in the late 14th century. Over time, 'imperial' came to be associated with the grandeur and power of empires, as well as with the British Empire in particular. Today, the word is used to describe things that are regal, grand, or imposing in nature.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,973, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.