Word
imperial
Phoneticsim·pe·ri·al, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɪɹiəɫ/
UK/ɪmpˈiəɹɪəl/
Definitions
01related to an empire
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. relating to an empire, an emperor, or an empress.
adj. pertaining to an empire or the person who rules it.
“The city is famous for its grand imperial palaces and beautiful gardens.”
“Historians often debate the long-term economic consequences of imperial expansion during the nineteenth century.”
Antonyms
02measurement system
B2 · Upper Intermediate British English
adj. relating to the system of measurement that uses inches, feet, and pounds.
adj. relating to the British imperial system of weights and measures, as opposed to the metric system.
“The recipe uses imperial measurements like ounces instead of grams.”
“Although the UK officially adopted the metric system, many citizens still prefer imperial units for height and weight.”
Antonyms
03grand or majestic
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. very grand, impressive, or of high quality.
adj. possessing a majestic or magnificent character; of superior size or excellence.
“The hotel lobby was decorated in an imperial style with gold and marble.”
“The conductor led the orchestra with an imperial grace that commanded the absolute attention of every musician in the hall.”
04a style of beard
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic
n. a small pointed beard grown only on the lower lip.
n. a small tuft of hair grown on the lower lip, popularized by Napoleon III.
“The gentleman in the old photograph wore a neatly trimmed imperial.”
“The portrait depicts the count with a distinctive imperial, a fashion choice that signaled his loyalty to the emperor's court.”
05large wine bottle
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. a very large bottle of wine that holds about six liters.
n. a large Bordeaux wine bottle with a capacity of approximately six liters, equivalent to eight standard bottles.
“They opened an imperial of red wine to celebrate the wedding.”
“The auction house featured a rare imperial of 1982 vintage, attracting significant interest from serious collectors.”
06paper size
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Technology Technical
n. a specific large size of paper used for printing or writing.
n. a standard size of writing paper (30 x 22 inches) or printing paper (32 x 22 inches).
“The artist requested a sheet of imperial paper for the large charcoal drawing.”
“The technical specifications for the map required it to be printed on imperial stock to ensure all details remained legible.”
Real-World Examples
“In the decades since then, Japan has largely adopted a pacifist stance that disavows its imperial past.” “A neighborhood beyond the Tiber became home to generations of Jewish and Syrian migrants who reshaped the imperial capital.” Word family
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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