Imperative
/ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/
adjectivenounC1
Definition
As an adjective, imperative describes something that is very important and must be done quickly or without delay. As a noun, it means a command or rule that someone must obey. The word is often used when talking about urgent needs or strong orders.
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See It in Action
Adjective: Very important and necessary to do immediately
- •It is imperative to wear a helmet when riding a bike.
- •Meeting the deadline is imperative for the project’s success.
- •Drinking water is imperative when you are very hot or tired.
Noun: A command or rule that must be followed
- •The teacher gave an imperative to stop talking during the exam.
- •In grammar, the imperative mood is used to give commands.
- •Following safety imperatives can prevent accidents.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'imperative' like 'must' (A1 word), but stronger and more formal—something you have to do, no choice
- ✓Picture a red stop sign on the road telling you to stop immediately—this sign is imperative because you must obey it for safety
- ✓It's the feeling when your phone battery is very low and you must charge it now—there is no time to wait
- ✓Sounds like 'I'm-PAIR-uh-tiv' → imagine someone saying 'I'm parrot, I repeat orders loudly,' like a parrot giving commands that must be followed
- ✓In stories, kings or leaders give imperative commands that everyone must listen to without question
- ✓NOT like 'important' (which means something matters), 'imperative' means you must act now, no delay
- ✓NOT like 'suggestion' (which is optional), 'imperative' is a strong order or need
- ✓As a noun, NOT like 'request' (polite ask), but a strict command or rule that must be obeyed
Try Other Words
- •Urgent: very important and needing quick action (Use when emphasizing speed or emergency)
- •Necessary: needed or required (Use when focusing on something that must happen but not always immediately)
- •Command: an order to do something (Use when referring to instructions or rules given by someone in charge)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: 'im-' meaning 'in' or 'on'
- •Root: 'perare' from Latin meaning 'to command' or 'to bring about'
- •Suffix: '-ive' used to form adjectives meaning 'having the nature of'
- •Origin: From Latin 'imperativus,' meaning 'commanding'
- •Historical development: Used since the 1400s in English to mean something that commands or is necessary
- •Modern usage: Used both as an adjective to describe urgent needs and as a noun for commands or rules
Reflect & Connect
•When might something be important but not imperative? How do you decide the difference?
•Can you think of a time when following an imperative (a strong command) helped you avoid a problem?
Fill in the blanks
1.It is imperative to ___ your homework before the deadline to avoid penalties.
2.When the doctor says rest is imperative, it means you ___ to stop working immediately.
3.Unlike a suggestion, an imperative ___ no choice; you must follow it.
4.The teacher used the imperative form to ___ students to be quiet.
5.Wearing a seatbelt is an imperative ___ in many countries for safety.
6.If something is imperative, it usually requires ___ action without delay.
7.The safety imperatives in the factory help ___ accidents and injuries.