imposing

[ im-poh-zing ]
/ ɪmˈpoʊ zɪŋ /

adjective

very impressive because of great size, stately appearance, dignity, elegance, etc.: Notre Dame, Rheims, and other imposing cathedrals of France.

Origin of imposing

First recorded in 1645–55; impose + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM imposing

im·pos·ing·ly, adverb im·pos·ing·ness, noun

Definition for imposing (2 of 2)

impose
[ im-pohz ]
/ ɪmˈpoʊz /

verb (used with object), im·posed, im·pos·ing.

verb (used without object), im·posed, im·pos·ing.

Verb Phrases

impose on/upon,
  1. to thrust oneself offensively upon others; intrude.
  2. to take unfair advantage of; misuse (influence, friendship, etc.).
  3. to defraud; cheat; deceive: A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public.

Origin of impose

1475–85; late Middle English < Middle French imposer, equivalent to im- im-1 + poser to pose1; see also pose2

OTHER WORDS FROM impose

Example sentences from the Web for imposing

British Dictionary definitions for imposing (1 of 2)

imposing
/ (ɪmˈpəʊzɪŋ) /

adjective

grand or impressive an imposing building

Derived forms of imposing

imposingly, adverb imposingness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for imposing (2 of 2)

impose
/ (ɪmˈpəʊz) /

verb (usually foll by on or upon)

(tr) to establish as something to be obeyed or complied with; enforce to impose a tax on the people
to force (oneself, one's presence, etc) on another or others; obtrude
(intr) to take advantage, as of a person or quality to impose on someone's kindness
(tr) printing to arrange pages so that after printing and folding the pages will be in the correct order
(tr) to pass off deceptively; foist to impose a hoax on someone
(tr) (of a bishop or priest) to lay (the hands) on the head of a candidate for certain sacraments

Derived forms of impose

imposable, adjective imposer, noun

Word Origin for impose

C15: from Old French imposer, from Latin impōnere to place upon, from pōnere to place, set