imposing
UK: ɪmˈpəʊzɪŋ | US: ɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ
adj. grand and impressive in appearance
adj. commanding attention or respect through size or dignity
vt. present participle of "impose" (to establish or apply by authority)
imposing = im<upon> + pos<place> + ing<adjective suffix>
- im<upon>: From Latin in- (variant of im- before p), meaning "upon" or "into."
- pos<place>: From Latin ponere, meaning "to place" or "to set."
- ing<adjective suffix>: English suffix forming present participles or adjectives indicating a quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word "imposing" originates from the Latin imponere (to place upon), combining im- (upon) and ponere (to place). Over time, it evolved through Old French imposer (to lay on, demand) into English, where it gained the sense of "commanding presence" by the 17th century. The logic reflects physical placement (e.g., taxes or rules) expanding metaphorically to describe something that "places" awe or respect upon observers.
The imposing castle stood atop the hill, visible for miles.
Her imposing demeanor made everyone in the room listen carefully.
The law imposes imposing fines for violations.
The CEO’s imposing stature matched his authoritative voice.
Despite its age, the library remains an imposing landmark.