imperative

[im-per-uh-tiv]

adjective

1. absolutely necessary or required; unavoidable.

   It is imperative that we leave.

   Synonyms: compelling, exigent, essential, indispensable, inescapable

2. of the nature of or expressing a command; commanding.

3. Grammar.,  noting or pertaining to the mood of the verb used in commands, requests, etc., as in Listen! Go!

noun

1. a command.

2. something that demands attention or action; an unavoidable obligation or requirement; necessity.

   It is an imperative that we help defend friendly nations.

3. Grammar.

   1. the imperative mood.

   2. a verb in this mood.

4. an obligatory statement, principle, or the like.

imperative

/ ɪmˈpɛrətɪv /

adjective

1. extremely urgent or important; essential

2. peremptory or authoritative

   an imperative tone of voice

3. Also: imperatival. grammar denoting a mood of verbs used in giving orders, making requests, etc. In English the verb root without any inflections is the usual form, as for example leave in Leave me alone

noun

1. something that is urgent or essential

2. an order or command

3. grammar

   1. the imperative mood

   2. a verb in this mood

imperative

1. A grammatical category describing verbs that command or request: “Leave town by tonight”; “Please hand me the spoon.”

Other Word Forms

• imperatively adverb
• imperativeness noun
• nonimperative adjective
• nonimperatively adverb
• nonimperativeness noun
• unimperative adjective
• unimperatively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperative¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Late Latin imperātivus, equivalent to Latin imperāt(us) “imposed,” past participle of imperāre “to impose, order, command” ( im- im- ¹ + -perāre, combining form of parāre “to set, get ready, produce, obtain”; prepare ) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperative¹

C16: from Late Latin imperātīvus, from Latin imperāre to command

Example Sentences

"It's imperative we get these answers so lessons can be learned to ensure proper protections are put in place to stop this happening again."

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Supporters cast those efforts in part as a competitive imperative, warning that without these US carmakers would risk losing out to competitors from China and other countries.

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"It's imperative suppliers are paid very very quickly."

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"It's also imperative that specialist teams have the resources to deal with potential increases in demand, resulting from increased referrals," he said.

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"On a humanitarian level, given the horrors that these people have endured, there is a moral imperative that this ask is honoured," she said.

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Related Words

• compulsory 
• critical 
• crucial 
• essential 
• immediate 
• important 
• indispensable 
• inescapable 
• obligatory 
• pressing 
• urgent 
• vital 

When To Use

What is an imperative sentence?

An imperative sentence is a sentence used to give commands or instructions or make requests, as in Give me that. It usually begins with a verb or a verb phrase.Imperative sentences often don’t have an apparent subject. Instead the subject is implied, usually the person who the speaker is giving the commands or instructions to. It is possible to include subjects in imperative sentences by addressing the person separately, as in Joe, hand me that wrench.While imperative sentences often start with verbs, they can also begin with adverbs, as in Carefully move the sofa, or prepositional phrases, as in Without opening your eyes, count to ten.