Imperative

Adjective

Definition: Of vital importance; crucial.

Definition: Giving an authoritative command; peremptory.

Synonyms: Urgent, Essential, Important, Critical

Antonyms: Optional, Unnecessary, Trivial

Examples:
  • It is imperative that you finish your homework before going to bed.
  • The safety measures are imperative to prevent accidents.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of an urgent situation where immediate action is necessary.
  • Remember the word "imperative" sounds similar to "emergency".

Etymology:

Origin:

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:

Idiom:

"Imperative mood"

Explanation:

In grammar, the imperative mood is used to give orders, instructions, or commands.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

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.

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