What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bossy
Example
She is always bossy and wants things done her way. [bossy: adjective]
Example
He has a bossy attitude and likes to tell everyone what to do. [bossy: noun]
imperious
Example
Her imperious tone made it clear that she expected everyone to follow her orders. [imperious: adjective]
Example
The CEO's imperious behavior intimidated the employees. [imperious: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bossy is more commonly used than imperious in everyday language. Bossy is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while imperious is less common and may be more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bossy and imperious?
While bossy is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, imperious is more formal and may be used in more serious or literary contexts.