imperative

[im-per-uh-tiv] /ɪmˈpɛr ə tɪv/
adjective
1.
absolutely necessary or required; unavoidable:
It is imperative that we leave.
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!
Compare indicative (def 2), subjunctive (def 1).
noun
4.
a command.
5.
something that demands attention or action; an unavoidable obligation or requirement; necessity:
It is an imperative that we help defend friendly nations.
6.
Grammar.
  1. the imperative mood.
  2. a verb in this mood.
7.
an obligatory statement, principle, or the like.
Origin
1520-30; < Late Latin imperātivus, equivalent to Latin imperāt(us) past participle of imperāre to impose, order, command (im- im-1 + -per- (combining form of parāre to fur-nish (with), produce, obtain, prepare) + -ātus -ate1) + -īvus -ive
Related forms
imperatively, adverb
imperativeness, noun
nonimperative, adjective
nonimperatively, adverb
nonimperativeness, noun
unimperative, adjective
unimperatively, adverb
Can be confused
imperative, imperial, imperious.
Synonyms
1. inescapable; indispensable, essential; exigent, compelling.
Examples from the web for imperative
  • But the imperative to stop global warming-the biggest reason for the backlash-reaches only so far.
  • The access people give to their lives is precious as well as imperative for this important work to get done.
  • Runnels of spindrift avalanches began to pour down the face around us, and it became imperative to seek some kind of shelter.
  • It is imperative for an adopter of a puppy mill dog to exercise patience and understanding.
  • It is imperative that people understand and believe the science: rhino horns are not medicine and have no magical power.
  • Their environmental cause is driven by a spiritual imperative.
  • Advance became imperative under the goad of fear and suffering.
  • It was an important suit, and great accuracy was imperative.
  • She was growing old, and she felt that she had closer and more imperative duties with her own family.
  • If profligacy has been their social imperative, its moral corollary is unflinching tolerance.
British Dictionary definitions for imperative

imperative

/ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/
adjective
1.
extremely urgent or important; essential
2.
peremptory or authoritative: an imperative tone of voice
3.
(grammar) Also imperatival (ɪmˌpɛrəˈtaɪvəl). 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
4.
something that is urgent or essential
5.
an order or command
6.
(grammar)
  1. the imperative mood
  2. a verb in this mood
Derived Forms
imperatively, adverb
imperativeness, noun
Word Origin
C16: from Late Latin imperātīvus, from Latin imperāre to command
Word Origin and History for imperative
adj.

1520s, from Late Latin imperativus "pertaining to a command," from imperatus "commanded," past participle of imperare "to command, to requisition," from assimilated form of in- "into, in" (see in- (2)) + parare "prepare" (see pare).

n.

mid-15c., in grammar; later "something imperative" (c.1600), from Old French imperatif and directly from Late Latin imperativus (see imperative (adj.)).

imperative in Culture

imperative definition


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

imperative in Technology


imperative language