Definitions for: Imperative


[n] some duty that is essential and urgent
[n] a mood that expresses an intention to influence the listener's behavior
[adj] requiring attention or action; "as nuclear weapons proliferate, preventing war becomes imperative"; "requests that grew more and more imperative"
[adj] (grammar) relating to verbs in the imperative mood



Webster (1913) Definition: Im*per"a*tive, a. [L. imperativus, fr. imperare to
command; pref. im- in + parare to make ready, prepare: cf. F.
imp['e]ratif. See Perade, and cf. Empire.]
1. Expressive of command; containing positive command;
authoritatively or absolutely directive; commanding;
authoritative; as, imperative orders.

The suit of kings are imperative. --Bp. Hall.

2. Not to be avoided or evaded; obligatory; binding;
compulsory; as, an imperative duty or order.

3. (Gram.) Expressive of commund, entreaty, advice, or
exhortation; as, the imperative mood.


Im*per"a*tive, n. (Gram.)
The imperative mood; also, a verb in the imperative mood.

Synonyms: adjuratory, clamant, commanding, crying, desperate, exigent, imperative mood, insistent, instant, jussive mood, peremptory, pressing, urgent

Antonyms: beseeching

See Also: assertive, duty, modality, mode, mood, obligation, responsibility

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