— imperatively , adv. — imperativeness , n.
/im per"euh tiv/ , adj.
1. absolutely necessary or required; unavoidable: It is imperative that we leave.
2. of the nature of or expressing a command; commanding.
3. Gram. noting or pertaining to the mood of the verb used in commands, requests, etc., as in Listen! Go! Cf. indicative (def. 2), subjunctive (def. 1).
n.
4. a command.
5. something that demands attention or action; an unavoidable obligation or requirement; necessity: It is an imperative that we help defend friendly nations.
6. Gram.
a. the imperative mood.
b. a verb in this mood.
7. an obligatory statement, principle, or the like.
[ 1520-30; imperativus, equiv. to L imperat ( us ) ptp. of imperare to impose, order, command ( im- IM- 1 + -per- (comb. form of parare to fur-nish (with), produce, obtain, PREPARE) + -atus -ATE 1 ) + -ivus -IVE ]
Syn. 1. inescapable; indispensable, essential; exigent, compelling.