magisterial

[ maj-uh-steer-ee-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or befitting a master; of importance or consequence; authoritative; weighty:

   a magisterial pronouncement by the director of the board.

2. imperious; domineering:

   a magisterial tone of command.

3. of or befitting a magistrate or the office of a magistrate:

   The judge spoke with magisterial gravity.

4. of the rank of a magistrate:

   magisterial standing.

magisterial

/ ˌmædʒɪˈstɪərɪəl /

adjective

1. commanding; authoritative
2. domineering; dictatorial
3. of or relating to a teacher or person of similar status
4. of or relating to a magistrate

Derived Forms

• ˌmagisˈterially, adverb
• ˌmagisˈterialness, noun

Other Words From

• magis·teri·al·ly adverb
• magis·teri·al·ness noun
• unmag·is·teri·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of magisterial¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Late Latin magisteriālis “pertaining to a teacher or magistrate” (equivalent to Latin magister “magistrate, teacher, master” + -ālis ); master, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of magisterial¹

C17: from Late Latin magisteriālis, from magister master

Example Sentences

Elba is always magisterial, and for years now, his fans have been floating his name as a candidate for the next James Bond.

From Time

Called “The Sword and Sovereignty,” it is a magisterial work running to more than 2,000 pages.

From The Daily Beast

He lacks the magisterial tone of Colm Tóibín or the florid and fertile imagination of Patrick McCabe.

From The Daily Beast

It is a picture of tragic grandeur, painted in sombre and magisterial colours on the fiery vault of hell.

From Project Gutenberg

Old Lecamus maintained his paternal and magisterial dignity; he observed his son and said little.

From Project Gutenberg

During the difficult beginnings of a household I, perhaps, assumed a magisterial tone?

From Project Gutenberg

Relinquishing his magisterial powers, necessity compelled him to return home before spring, accompanied by some of his people.

From Project Gutenberg

Such was the man entrusted with more than magisterial power.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• authoritative