/ ɪmˈperətɪv; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
[ not usually before noun ] imperative (that ... ) | imperative (to do sth) ( formal ) very important and needing immediate attention or action
SYN vital :
It is absolutely imperative that we finish by next week.
It is imperative to continue the treatment for at least two months.
2.
( formal ) expressing authority :
an imperative tone
3.
[ only before noun ] ( grammar ) expressing an order :
an imperative sentence
■ noun
1.
( formal ) a thing that is very important and needs immediate attention or action :
the economic imperative of quality education for all
2.
( grammar ) the form of a verb that expresses an order; a verb in this form :
In 'Go away!' the verb is in the imperative .
'Go away!' is an imperative.
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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.