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

Other Word Forms

• magisterially adverb
• magisterialness noun
• unmagisterial 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

“Sunday,” the culminating hymn of “Sunday in the Park With George,” closes Act 1 to magisterial effect.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He wrote in an autobiography that his first "war decoration" was a "magisterial slap" from his mother, when he came home and told her what he had tried to do.

Read more on BBC

Here are five other movies about the magisterial singer-songwriter whose life and lyrics have forever expanded the contours of American music.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I give her a magisterial stare over the top of my reading glasses.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s a magisterial work that taught me more about myself than any other book I’ve ever read.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• authoritative