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

• imperativeness noun
• imperatively adverb
• 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 is imperative that the panel's recommendations aren't rubber-stamped but instead are rigorously and scientifically reviewed before being accepted or rejected," she wrote.

From BBC

Certainly our imperative is to get the show back faster; I know Netflix has that goal and wish as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr. Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health and the state health officer, said it’s imperative that California stand with medical professionals.

From Los Angeles Times

The op-ed frames the resignation as both a moral and practical imperative, stressing that political ideology must not override science in safeguarding public health and ensuring pandemic preparedness.

From Salon

Despite those reforms, however, the Fed remained tied to political imperatives, chiefly the financing of America’s fiscal needs during World War II, policies firmly under the control of the Treasury.

From Los Angeles Times

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.