dignified without being overbearing; authoritative yet gentle
A set phrase describing a person who commands respect through dignity and warmth, not intimidation. Often used to praise a leader or elder. The variant 威ありて猛からず (いありてたけからず) is also used.
See also: 威ありて猛からず (いありてたけからず)
He is a boss who is dignified without being overbearing, and is beloved by everyone.
My grandfather was a person who embodied the phrase 'dignified without being overbearing.'
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling for this set phrase.
Alternate spelling using 有って for あって; less common.
From the Analects phrase 威而不猛, describing Confucius as dignified or awe-inspiring without being fierce.