Meaning & use
magisterial
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Meanings
adjectivecomparableformal
Having or showing the confident authority of a person in charge; commanding.
Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: a magisterial tone; his manner was magisterial.
Patterns
- magisterial tone
- magisterial manner
- magisterial presence
The professor spoke in a magisterial tone that silenced the room.
She had a magisterial presence that made everyone listen.
His magisterial manner sometimes came across as arrogant.
adjectivenot comparablelegal
Relating to a magistrate or a magistrate's official duties.
Grammar: Used before a noun, especially in legal contexts: magisterial duties.
Patterns
- magisterial duties
- magisterial investigation
The case was sent back for a magisterial review.
He was given magisterial responsibilities in the local court.
Word forms
| comparative | more magisterial |
|---|---|
| superlative | most magisterial |
Common combinations
- magisterial tone
- He answered in a magisterial tone, as if he had all the answers.
- magisterial sweep
- The book offers a magisterial sweep of European history.
- magisterial authority
- The judge spoke with magisterial authority.
Synonyms and how they differ
- authoritative
- More general and common; 'magisterial' adds a sense of dignified, almost judge-like command.
- commanding
- Focuses on the ability to control or demand attention; 'magisterial' often implies a formal, stately quality.
- judicial
- Relates specifically to judges and courts; 'magisterial' can also mean this but is broader.
Opposites
Word family
- magistrate noun
- A civil officer who administers the law, especially in a lower court.
- magisterially adverb
- In a magisterial manner.
Commonly confused: magisterial or magistrate?
magisterial vs magistrate
A noun meaning a type of judge; 'magisterial' is the adjective describing that role or a commanding manner.
Practice
Choose the best word: 'The old professor gave a ___ lecture on the history of art.'
Choose one answer.
We need an adjective to describe 'lecture', so 'magisterial' is correct. 'Magistrate' is a noun, 'magisterially' is an adverb, and 'magistracy' is a noun meaning the office of a magistrate.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “magisterial”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.