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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

peremptory

Adjective

IPA /pəˈremptəri/

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Meaning in plain English

Expressed as an order that expects immediate obedience and allows no discussion.

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Pronunciation

peremptory/pəˈremptəri/

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  1. An order demands immediate action

  2. Discussion is not invited

A peremptory demand expects obedience without argument.

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  1. His peremptory reply made it clear that the conversation was over.
  2. The supervisor sent a peremptory demand for the unfinished report.

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His ________ reply made it clear that the conversation was over.
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peremptory — Expressed as an order that expects immediate obedience and allows no discussion.

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Expressed as an order that expects immediate obedience and allows no discussion.

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Word origin

From Latin peremptorius, meaning decisive or final, through Anglo-Norman French.

Did you know?

Peremptory tone, order and demand suggest that questions will not be welcomed.

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peremptory

/pəˈremptəri/ (Adjective)

“Formal and often disapproving: peremptory is stronger than simply firm or clear.”

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