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im·per·a·tive

imperative

 
 
pronunciation:
ihm per tihv
parts of speech:
adjective, noun
features:
Word Combinations (adjective, noun), Word Parts
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.Getting the burn victims to a hospital is imperative.
synonyms:
critical, crucial, essential, imperious, indispensable, urgent, vital
antonyms:
optional, unimportant
similar words:
binding, compulsory, exigent, inescapable, inevitable, necessary, pressing, unavoidable
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
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.
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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
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
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."
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derivations: imperatively (adv.), imperativeness (n.)
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