imposing

[ im-poh-zing ]
/ ɪmˈpoʊ zɪŋ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR imposing ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

very impressive because of great size, stately appearance, dignity, elegance, etc.: Notre Dame, Rheims, and other imposing cathedrals of France.

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Origin of imposing

First recorded in 1645–55; impose + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM imposing

im·pos·ing·ly, adverbim·pos·ing·ness, noun

Words nearby imposing

importunate, importune, importunity, impose, impose on, imposing, imposing stone, imposition, impossibility, impossible, impossible figure

Definition for imposing (2 of 2)

impose
[ im-pohz ]
/ ɪmˈpoʊz /

verb (used with object), im·posed, im·pos·ing.

verb (used without object), im·posed, im·pos·ing.

Verb Phrases

impose on/upon,
  1. to thrust oneself offensively upon others; intrude.
  2. to take unfair advantage of; misuse (influence, friendship, etc.).
  3. to defraud; cheat; deceive: A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public.

Origin of impose

1475–85; late Middle English < Middle French imposer, equivalent to im- im-1 + poser to pose1; see also pose2

OTHER WORDS FROM impose

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to imposing

noble, grandiose, stately, striking, commanding, magnificent, imperial, monumental, massive, grand, towering, ominous, overwhelming, exciting, moving, dignified, stirring, august, big, effective

Example sentences from the Web for imposing

British Dictionary definitions for imposing (1 of 2)

imposing
/ (ɪmˈpəʊzɪŋ) /

adjective

grand or impressivean imposing building

Derived forms of imposing

imposingly, adverbimposingness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for imposing (2 of 2)

impose
/ (ɪmˈpəʊz) /

verb (usually foll by on or upon)

(tr) to establish as something to be obeyed or complied with; enforceto impose a tax on the people
to force (oneself, one's presence, etc) on another or others; obtrude
(intr) to take advantage, as of a person or qualityto impose on someone's kindness
(tr) printing to arrange pages so that after printing and folding the pages will be in the correct order
(tr) to pass off deceptively; foistto impose a hoax on someone
(tr) (of a bishop or priest) to lay (the hands) on the head of a candidate for certain sacraments

Derived forms of impose

imposable, adjectiveimposer, noun

Word Origin for impose

C15: from Old French imposer, from Latin impōnere to place upon, from pōnere to place, set
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012