imperative
[ im-per-uh-tiv ]
/ ɪmˈpɛr ə tɪv /
adjective
absolutely necessary or required; unavoidable: It is imperative that we leave.
of the nature of or expressing a command; commanding.
Grammar. noting or pertaining to the mood of the verb used in commands, requests, etc., as in Listen! Go!Compare indicative (def. 2), subjunctive (def. 1).
noun
SYNONYMS FOR imperative
QUIZZES
LEARN THE SPANISH WORDS FOR THESE COMMON ANIMALS!
Are you learning Spanish? Or do you just have an interest in foreign languages? Either way, this quiz on Spanish words for animals is for you.
Question 1 of 13
How do you say “cat” 🐈 in Spanish?
Origin of imperative
OTHER WORDS FROM imperative
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for imperative
“Capital” vs. “Capitol”: Do You Know Where You’re Going?
What You Need To Know About “Protester” vs. “Rioter” vs. “Terrorist” vs. “Mob”
Laying Down The Law On “Sedition” vs. “Treason” vs. “Insurrection” vs. “Coup”
“Have” vs. “Has”: When To Use Each One
“Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time
The People’s Choice 2020 Word Of The Year: 2020 Was A $#@#%%$@!
British Dictionary definitions for imperative
imperative
/ (ɪmˈpɛrətɪv) /
adjective
extremely urgent or important; essential
peremptory or authoritativean imperative tone of voice
Also: imperatival (ɪmˌpɛrəˈtaɪvəl) 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
something that is urgent or essential
an order or command
grammar
- the imperative mood
- a verb in this mood
Derived forms of imperative
imperatively, adverbimperativeness, nounWord Origin for imperative
C16: from Late Latin imperātīvus, from Latin imperāre to command
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for imperative
imperative
A grammatical category describing verbs that command or request: “Leave town by tonight”; “Please hand me the spoon.”
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.