A.Word.A.Day --peremptory

A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact

Home

Today's Word

Yesterday's Word

peremptory

PRONUNCIATION:

(puh-REMP-tuh-ree)

MEANING:

adjective:
1. Dictatorial.
2. Expressing command or urgency.
3. Not admitting any question or contradiction.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin peremptorius (decisive), from perimere (to take away), from per- (thoroughly) + emere (to take). Ultimately from the Indo-European root em- (to take or distribute) that is also the source of words such as example, sample, assume, consume, prompt, ransom, vintage, and redeem.

USAGE:

"'Easily provoked by minor irritations,' wrote Dimbleby about this period, '[Charles] became uncharacteristically impatient and peremptory.' The smallest things would prompt verbal abuse or 'sudden outbursts of rage'."
Catherine Bennett; In Princes We Trust ... to Do Absolutely Nothing Useful; The Observer (London, UK); Sep 27, 2009.

See more usage examples of peremptory in Vocabulary.com's dictionary.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

The idealists and visionaries, foolish enough to throw caution to the winds and express their ardor and faith in some supreme deed, have advanced mankind and have enriched the world. -Emma Goldman, social activist (1869-1940)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise