y dangerous; an executor or trustee
should not be _irresponsible_; an _irresponsible_ ruler is likely to be
_tyrannical_. A perfect ruler might be _irresponsible_ and not
_tyrannical_. _Authoritative_ is used always in a good sense, implying
the right to claim authority; _imperative_, _peremptory_, and _positive_
are used ordinarily in the good sense; as, an _authoritative_
definition; an _imperative_ demand; a _peremptory_ command; _positive_
instructions; _imperious_ signifies assuming and determined to command,
rigorously requiring obedience. An _imperious_ demand or requirement may
have in it nothing offensive; it is simply one that resolutely insists
upon compliance, and will not brook refusal; an _arrogant_ demand is
offensive by its tone of superiority, an _arbitrary_ demand by its
unreasonableness; an _imperious_ disposition is liable to become
_arbitrary_ and _arrogant_. A person of an independent spirit is
inclined to resent an _imperious_ manner in any one, especially in one
whose superiority is not clearly recognized. _Commanding_ is always used
in a good sense; as, a _commanding_ appearance; a _commanding_
eminence. Compare DOGMATIC; INFINITE; PERFECT.

Antonyms:

accountable, constitutional, gentle, lowly, responsible,
complaisant, contingent, humble, meek, submissive,
compliant, docile, lenient, mild, yielding.
conditional, ductile, limited,

* * * * *

ABSOLVE.

Synonyms:

acquit, exculpate, forgive, pardon,
clear, exempt, free, release,
discharge, exonerate, liberate, set free.

To _absolve_, in the strict sense, is to _set free_ from any bond. One
may be _absolved_ from a promise by a breach of faith on the part of one
to whom the promise was made. To _absolve_ from sins is formally to
remit their condemnation and penalty, regarded as a bond upon the soul.
"Almighty God ... _pardoneth_ and _absolveth_ all those who truly
repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel." _Book of Common
Prayer, Declar. of Absol._ To _acquit_ of sin or crime is to _free_ from
the accusation of it, pronouncing one guiltless; the innocent are
rightfully _acquitted_; the guilty may be mercifully _absolved_. Compare
PARDON.

Antonyms:

accuse, charge, condemn, impeach, obligate,
bind, compel, convict, inculpate, oblige.

Preposition:

One is absolved _from_ (rarely _of_) a promise, a sin