imperative
adjective/ɪmˈperətɪv/
/ɪmˈperətɪv/
- [not usually before noun] (formal) very important and needing immediate attention or action synonym vital
- imperative (that…) It is absolutely imperative that we finish by next week.
- imperative (to do something) It is imperative to continue the treatment for at least two months.
Language Bank vitalvitalSaying that something is necessary- It is vital that journalists can verify the accuracy of their reports.
- Journalists play a vital role in educating the public.
- Public trust is a crucial issue for all news organizations.
- The ability to write well is essential for any journalist.
- The internet has become an indispensable tool for reporters.
- In journalism, accuracy is paramount.
- Checking and verifying facts are of paramount importance for any journalist.
- It is imperative that journalists maintain the highest possible standards of reporting.
Extra Examples- The collapse of the wall made it imperative to keep the water out by some other means.
- We consider it absolutely imperative to start work immediately.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- be
- seem
- become
- …
- absolutely
- (formal) expressing authority
- an imperative tone
- [only before noun] (grammar) expressing an order
- an imperative sentence
Word Originlate Middle English (as a grammatical term): from late Latin imperativus (literally ‘specially ordered’, translating Greek prostatikē enklisis ‘imperative mood’), from imperare ‘to command’, from in- ‘towards’ + parare ‘make ready’.
Check pronunciation:
imperative