# imperative

/ˌɪmˈpɛɹətɪv/ (US) · /ɪmpˈɛɹətˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/imperative
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. essential or urgent

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

extremely important or urgent; something that must be done immediately.

For teachers: of vital importance; crucial or essential. Often used in formal contexts to describe an unavoidable requirement.

- It is imperative that you finish the report before the meeting starts.
- In the face of rising sea levels, it is imperative that coastal cities invest in robust flood defences immediately.

### 2. giving a command

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

speaking in a way that sounds like you are giving a firm order.

For teachers: expressing a command or order; authoritative or peremptory in tone.

- The teacher used an imperative tone to stop the students from talking.
- The captain issued his instructions in an imperative voice that left no room for hesitation or debate among the crew.

### 4. an essential duty

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

something that is very important and must be done for moral or practical reasons.

For teachers: an essential or urgent thing; a duty or obligation that cannot be ignored.

- Improving the school system is a social imperative for the new government.
- The company viewed environmental sustainability not just as a marketing tool, but as a strategic and moral imperative.

## Examples

- It is imperative that you finish this report today.
- In the middle of a medical emergency, it is imperative to remain calm and follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- While the financial costs are significant, the moral imperative to protect the environment for future generations outweighs any short-term economic concerns the board might have.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.