magisterial

/madʒɪˈstɪəɹɪəl/

Group 12Difficulty 3/3

Definitions

(adjective)
Having or showing great authority; domineering
GRE
(adjective)
Relating to a magistrate

Example in Context

The historian's magisterial account of the empire's decline has become the definitive reference work in the field.

Synonyms

authoritativecommandingmasterful

Etymology

Relating to a master or someone with authority.

  • magister (Latin) — master

Memory Aid

🥣Sounds like “magic cereal”

A wizard pouring MAGIC CEREAL while demanding respect is truly MAGISTERIAL!

Visual Association

👨‍⚖️A stern judge banging a gavel in a grand courtroom, commanding everyone’s attention.

Semantic Clusters

🏛️ Old & Traditional👑 Power & Authority

Synonym Groups

⚖️ Formality Spectrum⚖️ Power & Authority Spectrum

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “magisterial” mean on the GRE?

magisterial (adjective) means “Having or showing great authority; domineering”. The historian's magisterial account of the empire's decline has become the definitive reference work in the field.

How to remember “magisterial” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “magisterial” sounds like “magic cereal”. A wizard pouring MAGIC CEREAL while demanding respect is truly MAGISTERIAL!

What are synonyms for “magisterial”?

Common synonyms: authoritative, commanding, masterful.