imperative

US /ɪmˈper.ə.t̬ɪv/
UK /ɪmˈper.ə.t̬ɪv/
"imperative" picture
1.

of vital importance; crucial

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It is imperative that we act now.
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Safety is of imperative concern.
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crucialvitalessentialcriticalurgent
1.

an essential or urgent thing

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Paying off debt is a financial imperative.
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The new policy is a moral imperative.
:
necessityrequirementprioritycommandduty
2.

a verb form expressing a command or exhortation, as in 'go!'

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The sentence 'Close the door!' uses the imperative mood.
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In English, the imperative form is often the base form of the verb.
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imperative verb