What does imperative mean?
Imperative describes something that is necessary, urgent, or expressed as a command. In everyday and formal English, “it is imperative to act” indicates that delay could have serious consequences; the word is commonly associated with safety, diplomacy, and practical necessity. It can also describe language intended to give a direct instruction: “Keep moving” is an imperative command. In grammar, the imperative is the mood used for commands, requests, and directives, with verb forms typically appearing without a subject. The term should not be confused with “imperious,” which describes a domineering manner or excessive pride. Although imperative can occasionally sound forceful, its primary implication is importance or necessity rather than rudeness.
Expressing an urgent command or requirement; impossible to overlook or postpone.
"Clear communication is imperative during an emergency."
Common in formal English and especially frequent in statements about safety, diplomacy, and urgent practical matters.
A grammatical mood used to express commands, requests, or directives, or a verb form belonging to that mood.
"The teacher asked the students to identify the imperative in the sentence."
In grammatical terminology, an imperative is typically distinguished from a subjunctive or other moods by its expression of a command or request.
The plural is used for grammatical commands or forms belonging to the imperative mood.
"The exercise asks students to rewrite the imperatives as polite requests."
When something is truly imperative, waiting is not an option: the word itself carries the force of a command.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imperative come from?
The word comes from Latin imperativus, meaning “commanded” or “enjoined,” a form of imperare, “to command.” It was borrowed into English in the late Middle Ages for grammatical use and later developed the broader sense of something pressing or necessary. Cognates include “emperor,” “imperial,” and “imperious,” all associated with the Latin root for command or authority.
How imperative is actually used
In its usual non-grammatical sense, “imperative” is fairly formal and often emphasizes necessity or urgency. It can sound less natural when applied to minor matters. As a grammatical term, it refers to a mood and to verb forms used for commands or requests.
Easily confused with imperative
An imperative instruction is necessary or urgent, whereas imperious behaviour is domineering or arrogant.