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Imperative: meaning, definitions and examples

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imperative

 

[ ɪmˈpɛrətɪv ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

grammar

Relating to or denoting the mood of a verb that expresses a command or request.

Synonyms

authoritative, commanding

Examples of usage

  • The imperative form of the verb 'go' is 'go'.
  • She always speaks in the imperative mood when giving orders.
Context #2 | Noun

linguistics

A verb or phrase in the imperative mood.

Synonyms

command, order

Examples of usage

  • In the sentence 'Close the door!', 'Close' is an imperative.

Translations

Translations of the word "imperative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imperativo

🇮🇳 अनिवार्य

🇩🇪 imperativ

🇮🇩 imperatif

🇺🇦 імператив

🇵🇱 tryb rozkazujący

🇯🇵 命令形 (めいれいけい)

🇫🇷 impératif

🇪🇸 imperativo

🇹🇷 zorunlu

🇰🇷 명령형

🇸🇦 صيغة الأمر

🇨🇿 imperativ

🇸🇰 imperatív

🇨🇳 命令式 (mìnglìng shì)

🇸🇮 imperativ

🇮🇸 boðháttur

🇰🇿 императив

🇬🇪 იმპერატიული

🇦🇿 əmr

🇲🇽 imperativo

Etymology

The word 'imperative' comes from the Latin word 'imperativus', which is derived from the verb 'imperare' meaning 'to command'. The term has been used in grammar and linguistics to describe the mood of a verb expressing a command or request since the 16th century. It is an essential concept in language studies, highlighting the importance of commands and orders in communication.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,145 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.