Definition of imperative
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: not to be avoided or evaded : necessary
an imperative duty
2a
: 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
imperative
nounDefinition of imperative (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: something that is imperative (see imperative entry 1): such as
c
: an obligatory act or duty
d
: an obligatory judgment or proposition
2
: the grammatical mood that expresses the will to influence the behavior of another or a verb form or verbal phrase expressing it
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for imperative
The first known use of imperative was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century