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 direct
2 : 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