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imperative

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

imperative

Main Entry:: ¹im·per·a·tive
Pronunciation:: \im-ˈper-ə-tiv, -ˈpe-rə-\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English imperatyf, from Late Latin imperativus, from Latin imperatus, past participle of imperare to command — more at emperor
Date:: 15th century

1 a: of, relating to, or constituting the grammatical mood that expresses the will to influence the behavior of another b: expressive of a command, entreaty, or exhortation c: having power to restrain, control, and direct2: not to be avoided or evaded : necessary <an imperative duty>

synonyms see masterful

— im·per·a·tive·ly adverb

— im·per·a·tive·ness noun

Learn more about "imperative" and related topics at Britannica.com

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