IMPERATIVE
imperative
(adjective) requiring attention or action; “as nuclear weapons proliferate, preventing war becomes imperative”; “requests that grew more and more imperative”
imperative
(adjective) relating to verbs in the imperative mood
imperative
(noun) some duty that is essential and urgent
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adjective
imperative (comparative more imperative, superlative most imperative)
Essential; crucial; extremely important.
(grammar) Of, or relating to the imperative mood.
(computing theory) Having semantics that incorporates mutable variables.
• Antonym: functional
Expressing a command; authoritatively or absolutely directive.
Noun
imperative (countable and uncountable, plural imperatives)
(uncountable, grammar) The grammatical mood expressing an order (see jussive). In English, the imperative form of a verb is the same as that of the bare infinitive.
(countable, grammar) A verb in imperative mood.
(countable) An essential action, a must: something which is imperative.
Synonyms
• (grammatical mood) imperative mood
• required
Coordinate terms
• (in grammar): assertoric, interrogative
Source: Wiktionary
Im*per"a*tive, a. Etym: [L. imperativus, fr. imperare to command; pref. im- in + parare to make ready, prepare: cf. F. impératif. See Perade, and cf. Empire.]
1. Expressive of command; containing positive command; authoritatively or absolutely directive; commanding; authoritative; as, imperative orders. The suit of kings are imperative. Bp. Hall.
2. Not to be avoided or evaded; obligatory; binding; compulsory; as, an imperative duty or order.
3. (Gram.)
Definition: Expressive of commund, entreaty, advice, or exhortation; as, the imperative mood.
Im*per"a*tive, n. (Gram.)
Definition: The imperative mood; also, a verb in the imperative mood.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
10 June 2025
COMMUNICATIONS
(noun) the discipline that studies the principles of transmiting information and the methods by which it is delivered (as print or radio or television etc.); “communications is his major field of study”
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