senatorial

American  

[sen-uh-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-] / ˌsɛn əˈtɔr i əl, -ˈtoʊr- /

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or befitting a senator or senate.

   senatorial oratory.

2. consisting of senators.

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senatorial British  

/ ˌsɛnəˈtɔːrɪəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, befitting, or characteristic of a senator

2. composed of senators

3. electing or entitled to representation by a senator

   senatorial districts

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Other Word Forms

• nonsenatorial
  adjective
• senatorially
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of senatorial

1730–40; < Latin senātōri ( us ) ( see senator, -tory ¹) + -al ¹

Explanation

Anything senatorial relates to senators, who are members of a legislative body. If you are a senatorial candidate, guess what? You are running for the Senate. If a politician is presidential, it seems like they could serve as the President. A similar word is senatorial, which refers to all aspects of senators and senates. A senatorial election is between two politicians competing for a seat in the U.S. Senate. A senatorial committee is full of senators. Since a senator is in a position of authority, this word sometimes refers to how impressive, serious, or authoritative someone seems.

Related Words

• congressional
• parliamentary