Key takeaways:
- Imperative as an adjective means something is “completely necessary” or “very important.”
- Imperative as a noun refers to “a necessity” or “something that is not avoidable.”
Imperative, whether it functions as an adjective, noun, or verb mood in grammar, is a powerhouse of a word. You may have heard it used in a sentence, so if you’re unsure about its meaning or how it relates to imperative sentences, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explain what imperative means, show you how to use it in a sentence, and provide examples so you can use the term confidently.
Table of contents
Imperative definition
When used in a sentence, the word imperative can be an adjective or a noun. The adjective imperative signifies something of great importance or necessity. Similarly, the noun imperative means an order or a rule, such as a directive or obligation.
Synonyms and antonyms for the adjective imperative
Here are some synonyms and antonyms to help you understand the adjective form of imperative:
Synonyms for imperative (adjective) include:
- Crucial
- Vital
- Critical
- Urgent
- Essential
- Important
Antonyms for imperative (adjective) include:
- Nonessential
- Trivial
- Unimportant
- Optional
- Insignificant
Synonyms and antonyms for the noun imperative
Here are some synonyms and antonyms to help you understand the noun form of imperative:
Synonyms for imperative (noun) include:
- Directive
- Commandment
- Order
- Edict
- Instruction
- Direction
Antonyms for imperative (noun) include:
- Suggestion
- Proposal
- Recommendation
- Urging
- Plea
- Petition
Imperative—how to use it
If you’re wondering how to use the word imperative, think of it as a way to describe something very important. It is one of the strongest adjectives you can use to imply significance or necessity.
You can use the term imperative when an action is urgent or required to avoid negative consequences, as in “It is imperative that you finish this report by the end of the day.”
The term imperative can also refer to a commanding tone. For example, a person who gives orders often speaks with an imperative tone of voice.
Imperative examples
You can use imperative as a noun or an adjective, and its meaning slightly changes depending on its context. Below are examples illustrating imperative in a sentence.
Examples using the adjective form of imperative:
- Regular hydration is imperative for athletes to maintain peak performance.
- It’s imperative to follow the instructions carefully to assemble the furniture correctly.
Examples using the noun form of imperative:
- The imperative to maintain customer trust drives companies to prioritize data security.
- As the deadline approached, meeting the project goals became an absolute imperative for the team.
Understanding imperative
Using the word imperative correctly can improve your writing and communication. The same is true for using the imperative mood: Whether you’re giving instructions or making requests, understanding the imperative helps you express yourself clearly and confidently.
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