magisterial
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or befitting a master; of importance or consequence; authoritative; weighty.
a magisterial pronouncement by the director of the board.
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imperious; domineering.
a magisterial tone of command.
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of or befitting a magistrate or the office of a magistrate.
The judge spoke with magisterial gravity.
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of the rank of a magistrate.
magisterial standing.
adjective
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commanding; authoritative
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domineering; dictatorial
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of or relating to a teacher or person of similar status
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of or relating to a magistrate
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of magisterial
First recorded in 1625–35; from Late Latin magisteriālis “pertaining to a teacher or magistrate” (equivalent to Latin magister “magistrate, teacher, master” + -ālis ); see origin at master, -al 1
Explanation
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!
Vocabulary lists containing magisterial
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Magisterial District Judge Bruce A. Roth set bail for nine of the defendants at $1 million each.
From Fox News • Sep. 16, 2020
William’s brother, John, was born free and held several elective offices, including supervisor of the Arlington Magisterial District, delegate to the General Assembly and justice of the peace.
From Washington Post • Aug. 24, 2020
Magisterial District Judge Allen W. Sinclair did not rule and said the hearing would resume on another day, when defense lawyers would be able to make arguments.
From New York Times • Jun. 12, 2017
Earlier in March, a defendant at Magisterial District Judge Joseph Zola’s office in Hazleton needed more time to secure an attorney for his criminal case.
From Washington Times • Mar. 28, 2015
The Mayor, in the blazing dignity of his Magisterial robes, surrounded by the wealth and intelligence of the city, had delivered an historical address.
From The Siege of Kimberley by Phelan, T.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
