Definition of "imperative" in English

adjective

1. Essential; crucial; extremely important.

   • That you come here right now is imperative.

2. (grammar) Of, or relating to the imperative mood.

3. (computing theory) Having semantics that incorporates mutable variables.

4. Expressing a command; authoritatively or absolutely directive.

   • imperative orders

noun

1. (uncountable, grammar) The grammatical mood expressing an order (see jussive). In English, the imperative form of a verb is the same as that of the bare infinitive.

   • The verbs in sentences like "Do it!" and "Say what you like!" are in the imperative.

2. (countable, grammar) A verb in the imperative mood.

3. (countable) An essential action, a must: something which is imperative.

   • Visiting Berlin is an imperative.