imperative

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Extremely important and necessary; something that must be done.

   It is imperative that you arrive on time for the exam.

2. 2
   noun

   Something that is absolutely necessary or urgent.

   Protecting the environment is a moral imperative for us all.

3. 3
   noun

   In grammar, the form of a verb used to give an order or command.

   In the sentence "Close the door!", the verb is in the imperative.

Borrowed from Latin imperātīvus.

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