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Meaning of Word: Imperative

The word “imperative” has multiple meanings depending on the context. It can refer to:

1. A grammatical mood used to express commands, requests, or instructions.
2. Something that is essential or urgent, often referring to an action or decision that is necessary or required.

Etymology

The term “imperative” comes from the Latin word imperativus, derived from imperare, meaning “to command.” The root word imperare is formed from im- (meaning “in” or “upon”) and parare (meaning “to prepare” or “to arrange”). Over time, the meaning expanded to include both the grammatical mood and the concept of essential actions or requirements.

Detailed Explanation

1. Grammatical Imperative: In grammar, the imperative mood is used to express commands, requests, or instructions. It directly tells someone to do something. For example, in the sentence “Close the door,” “close” is in the imperative mood. This form typically lacks a subject, as it is understood to be directed at the person being spoken to (you).
2. Essential or Urgent Action: “Imperative” can also refer to something that is of critical importance or urgency. For example, in the phrase “It is imperative that you finish this report by tomorrow,” it indicates that the action is necessary and must be done without delay.
3. Moral or Ethical Imperative: In a broader sense, it can refer to a duty or obligation that one must fulfill, often guided by moral or ethical considerations.

Examples

1. “Please submit your assignments by the end of the week” is an imperative sentence.
2. It is imperative to follow safety protocols in the workplace to prevent accidents.

Synonyms with Explanation

1. Command: A direct order or instruction, similar to the use of imperative in grammar, where a person is told to perform an action.
2. Urgent: Implies something requiring immediate attention or action, which mirrors the sense of necessity or importance in “imperative.”
3. Essential: Refers to something that is absolutely necessary, as in “imperative” actions or conditions.
4. Critical: Often used to describe situations or actions that are of utmost importance, much like imperative situations that cannot be ignored.

Few Related Terms

1. Obligation: A duty or responsibility that must be fulfilled, closely tied to the idea of an imperative action.
2. Necessity: Something that is required or indispensable, relating to the urgent nature of something imperative.
3. Demand: A strong request or command that must be met, often used in contexts where something imperative is expected.
4. Directive: An instruction or order that directs someone to perform a specific action, often with an imperative tone.

Antonyms with Explanation

1. Optional: Refers to something that is not required and can be chosen freely, the opposite of something that is imperative or necessary.
2. Voluntary: An action or decision made by choice, rather than something that is commanded or urgently required.
3. Nonessential: Describes something that is not critical or urgent, contrasting with the necessity implied by imperative.
4. Discretionary: Allowing for choice or judgment, in contrast to an imperative that demands action without room for choice.

Other Words Started with Main Word

• Imperatively: In a manner that expresses urgency or commands, used to describe actions or speech that convey necessity.
• Imperativeness: The quality of being essential or urgent, often used in contexts where something is described as imperative or crucial.