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