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1. Dictionary

   imperative

   /ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/

   adjective

   • 1. of vital importance; crucial: "immediate action was imperative" Similar vitally importantof vital importanceall-importantvitalcrucialcriticalessentialof the essencea matter of life and deathof great consequencenecessaryindispensableexigentpressingurgentrequiredcompulsorymandatoryobligatoryOpposite unimportantoptional
   • 2. giving an authoritative command; peremptory: "the bell pealed again, a final imperative call" Similar peremptorycommandingimperiousauthoritativemasterfullordlymagisterialautocraticdictatorialdomineeringoverbearingassertivefirminsistentbossyhigh-handedoverweeningOpposite submissive
   • ▪ denoting the mood of a verb that expresses a command or exhortation, as in come here!

   noun

   • 1. an essential or urgent thing: "free movement of labour was an economic imperative"
   • ▪ a factor or influence making something necessary: "the biological imperatives which guide male and female behaviour"
   • 2. a verb or phrase in the imperative mood.
   • ▪ the imperative mood.

   Word Origin late Middle English (as a grammatical term): from late Latin imperativus (literally ‘specially ordered’, translating Greek prostatikē enklisis ‘imperative mood’), from imperare ‘to command’, from in- ‘towards’ + parare ‘make ready’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. imperatival adjective
   • 2. imperatively adverb
   • 3. imperativeness noun

   Scrabble Points: 17

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2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › imperativeImperative Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › imperative

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   1. : something that is imperative (see imperative entry 1): such as. a. : command, order. b. : rule, guide. c. : an obligatory act or duty. d. : an obligatory judgment or proposition. 2. : the grammatical mood that expresses the will to influence the behavior of another or a verb form or verbal phrase expressing it. Synonyms.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishMeaning of imperative in English - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   IMPERATIVE definition: 1. extremely important or urgent: 2. used to describe the form of a verb that is usually used for…. Learn more.

4. www.dictionary.com › browse › imperativeIMPERATIVE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › imperative

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   The word imperative means “commanding” or “a command,” and imperative sentences are supposed to deliver commands, as well as polite requests and directions.

5. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishIMPERATIVE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   An imperative is a verb in the base form that is used, usually without a subject, in an imperative clause.

6. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › imperativeImperative - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › imperative

   When something absolutely has to be done and cannot be put off, use the adjective imperative. Imperative is from Latin imperare, "to command," and its original use was for a verb form expressing a command: "Do it!" is an imperative sentence.

7. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishimperative adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   [not usually before noun] (formal) very important and needing immediate attention or action synonym vital imperative (that…) It is absolutely imperative that we finish by next week. imperative (to do something) It is imperative to continue the treatment for at least two months.

8. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishMeaning of imperative – Learner’s Dictionary - Cambridge...

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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   IMPERATIVE definition: 1. When an action or process is imperative, it is extremely important that it happens or is done…. Learn more.

9. www.dictionary.com › browse › imperative'sIMPERATIVE Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com

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   something that demands attention or action; an unavoidable obligation or requirement; necessity: It is an imperative that we help defend friendly nations.

10. www.thefreedictionary.com › imperativeImperative - definition of imperative by The Free Dictionary

    www.thefreedictionary.com › imperative

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    imperative (ɪmˈpɛrətɪv) adj. 1. extremely urgent or important; essential. 2. peremptory or authoritative: an imperative tone of voice. 3. (Grammar) grammar Also: imperatival denoting a mood of verbs used in giving orders, making requests, etc.

11. www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › imperativeimperative - Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online

    www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › imperative

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    imperative meaning, definition, what is imperative: extremely important and needing to be do...: Learn more.