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Added 9 October 2026

imperative

/ɪmˈpɛɹ.ə.tɪv/ noun

In Latin: necessus, necessum Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about imperative at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A mood that expresses an intention to influence the listener's behavior.
Some duty that is essential and urgent.

adjective

Requiring attention or action.
as nuclear weapons proliferate, preventing war becomes imperative
Relating to verbs in the imperative mood.

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