imperative
ihm-PEHR-uh-tihv
Imperative (adj) means Extremely important; essential. Example: “It is imperative that we finish before the deadline.”
adj
1
Extremely important; essential.
"It is imperative that we finish before the deadline."
"Wearing a seat belt is imperative for everyone in the car."
"It was imperative to call the doctor as soon as the fever rose."
2
Relating to the grammatical mood used for commands.
""Sit down" is an imperative sentence."
"Teachers often use imperative verbs when they give instructions to the class."
"Look at the road sign: the word Stop is an imperative form."
noun
1
Something absolutely necessary.
"Reducing emissions has become an economic imperative."
"Safety is the first imperative on any building site."
"For the charity, raising money before winter was an absolute imperative."
2
The grammatical mood used to give orders or instructions.
"In English, the imperative uses the base form of the verb."
"Close the door is a command written in the imperative."
"Many recipes are written almost entirely in the imperative."
How to use imperative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething absolutely necessary, or (in grammar) the command form of a verb.
Common pairings
moral imperative
imperative mood
business imperative
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Word forms
- Plural
- imperatives
- Comparative
- more imperative
- Superlative
- most imperative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It is _____ that we finish before the deadline.
Etymology
From Latin imperativus, related to imperare, "to command".
Related words
Rhymes for imperative
See all rhymes for imperative →Frequently asked questions
What does “imperative” mean?
The word “imperative” means extremely important; essential. In plain terms, something absolutely necessary, or (in grammar) the command form of a verb.
How do you pronounce “imperative”?
“Imperative” is pronounced ihm-PEHR-uh-tihv (/ɪmˈpɛɹ.ə.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “imperative” in a sentence?
Here is “imperative” used in a sentence: “It is imperative that we finish before the deadline.”
What is another word for “imperative”?
Words with a similar meaning to “imperative” include required.
What part of speech is “imperative”?
Depending on how it is used, “imperative” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “imperative” come from?
The word “imperative” comes from Latin. From Latin imperativus, related to imperare, "to command".
Is “imperative” a common word?
“Imperative” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “imperative” have?
“Imperative” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely important; essential.
What is the difference between imperative and important?
Imperative is stronger than important; it describes something extremely important or essential, often implying urgency or necessity rather than mere significance. Saying an action is imperative suggests there is little choice but to do it.
What is the imperative mood in grammar?
The imperative mood is the grammatical form used to give commands or instructions, such as 'Close the door' or 'Please wait.' It typically drops the subject and uses the base form of the verb.
Can imperative be used as a noun as well as an adjective?
Yes. As an adjective, imperative means essential or extremely important, as in 'It is imperative that we act now.' As a noun, it refers to something absolutely necessary, such as 'a moral imperative,' or to the grammatical mood used for commands.
