What does peremptory mean?
Word: Peremptory
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Peremptory means expecting to be obeyed at once, in a way that allows no discussion.
Synonyms: commanding
How do you spell peremptory?
Syllables: pe - remp - to - ry
Tricky part: The p after the m is easy to lose, because many speakers barely sound it. Without it, pupils write peremtory.
Watch out for: peremtory, perremptory
Memory tip: The word prompt also keeps a quiet p between m and t, and a peremptory order demands a prompt reply.
Peremptory in a sentence
Example 1: With a peremptory wave of her hand, the director ended the discussion.
Example 2: The peremptory note on the noticeboard told all teams to report at once.
Example 3: Grandfather's peremptory tone softened as soon as the children began to laugh.
Fun Fact
A knock at the door can be peremptory too: a sharp, loud knock that plainly refuses to wait.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Choose the letters that complete the word:
per_mpt_ry
a) a, a
b) e, o
c) e, a
d) a, o
Show answer
b) e, o. Both vowels are weak in speech, so learn them by sight: an e, then an o.
Mingle-Mangle
Rearrange the jumbled letters in the sentence to form the right word:
The general manager sent a eymrepoprt message telling the team to return to the office at once.
a) peremptory
b) preparatory
c) predatory
d) perfunctory
Show answer
a) peremptory. A message that leaves no room for argument fits, and the letters, with their m and no f or d, fit it too.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of that word.
1. peremptory 2. parapharnalia 3. ostentacious 4. perogative
a) a special right belonging to one person or group
b) giving orders that leave no room for reply
c) showing off wealth in order to impress
d) the many small items used for an activity
Show answer
b) giving orders that leave no room for reply. Paraphernalia has an e after the h, ostentatious has a t before the ious, and prerogative opens with pre.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word peremptory as used in the sentence:
The headmaster's peremptory order to clear the corridor silenced the noisy crowd of pupils.
a) imperious
b) cheerful
c) hesitant
d) timid
Show answer
a) imperious. An imperious person gives orders and expects them to be followed.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which line is spoken in a peremptory way?
a) You may sit here if you feel like it.
b) Perhaps we could all sit down and talk.
c) Would you mind sitting down for a moment?
d) Sit down this instant and not another word.
Show answer
d) Sit down this instant and not another word.
2. A child given a peremptory reply will probably feel that ____
a) the decision can still be talked over later
b) the matter is closed and questions are not welcome
c) a long friendly discussion is about to begin
d) the adult wants to hear a fuller explanation
Show answer
b) the matter is closed and questions are not welcome
