Imperative
Adjective
Definition: Of vital importance; crucial.
Definition: Giving an authoritative command; peremptory.
Synonyms: Urgent, Essential, Important, Critical
Antonyms: Optional, Unnecessary, Trivial
- It is imperative that you finish your homework before going to bed.
- The safety measures are imperative to prevent accidents.
- Think of an urgent situation where immediate action is necessary.
- Remember the word "imperative" sounds similar to "emergency".
Etymology:
Late Middle English via Old French from Late Latin 'imperativus', from imperare 'to command'.
Historical Usage:The term "imperative" has been used in English since the late Middle Ages to convey the sense of giving commands or asserting the necessity of something.
Related Idioms:
"Imperative mood"
Explanation:In grammar, the imperative mood is used to give orders, instructions, or commands.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "imperative" with "imperial".
Explanation:"Imperial" refers to something related to an empire or emperor, while "imperative" refers to something urgent or essential. The words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.