Imperative

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Imperative

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective and noun

Pronunciation

im-PEH-ruh-tiv  /ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/

Definition

Of vital importance; absolutely necessary or urgent. (noun) An urgent or essential requirement. In grammar: the mood of a verb expressing commands or requests.

Plain meaning

Imperative means absolutely necessary or urgently required. It is imperative that you arrive on time means you must arrive on time — there is no option. As a noun, an imperative is something that must be done: a moral imperative, a strategic imperative, an economic imperative. In grammar, the imperative is the verb form used for commands: 'Stop!' and 'Come here!' are in the imperative mood.

Register

Neutral to formal. Imperative is used across registers, from formal policy language (it is imperative to address climate change) to everyday speech (it's imperative we leave now). As a noun, moral imperative, strategic imperative, and categorical imperative are standard in philosophy and policy discourse.