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im·per·a·tive
 imperative
- pronunciation:
- ihm
pe
r
tihv
- parts of speech:
- adjective, noun
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
extremely important; urgent; unavoidable.
It is imperative that these peace efforts succeed.It is imperative that the town be evacuated immediately.- synonyms:
- critical, crucial, essential, imperious, indispensable, urgent, vital
- antonyms:
- optional, unimportant
- similar words:
- binding, compulsory, exigent, inescapable, inevitable, necessary, pressing, unavoidable
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| definition 2: |
of, pertaining to, or like a command, or having the power or authority to command or control.
He spoke in an imperative tone of voice.- synonyms:
- authoritative, commanding, imperious, peremptory
- similar words:
- authoritarian, mandatory, prescriptive
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| definition 3: |
in grammar, of or denoting the mood of the verb used in making demands, giving orders, or the like.
In the sentence, "Come here!" the verb "come" is in the imperative form. |
| related words: |
authoritative, indispensable, requisite, urgent, vital |
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| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
something that is necessary or very important; obligation; need.
Cleaning up the oil is not an option; it's an imperative.- synonyms:
- indispensable, necessary, necessity, requirement, requisite
- similar words:
- dictate, duty, need, obligation, responsibility
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| definition 2: |
an order or command.
I dislike how he goes around shouting imperatives.
- synonyms:
- behest, command, dictate, directive, order
- similar words:
- direction, instruction, mandate
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| definition 3: |
in grammar, the imperative mood, or a verb in this mood.
The word "sit" is an imperative in the sentence "Please sit down." |
| related words: |
dictum, essential, necessary, order, postulate |
| derivations: |
imperatively (adv.), imperativeness (n.) |
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