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imperative

When used as an adjective meaning 'crucial', it is often followed by the word 'that'. For example: "It is imperative that..." In grammar, the 'imperative' refers to commands. Note that in English, these sentences usually start with a verb and do not have a visible subject (the subject is understood to be 'you'). As a noun meaning an urgent need, it is often paired with adjectives like 'moral', 'economic', or 'strategic' to describe the type of necessity.

💬Trò chuyện

🎬Tuesday afternoon, David is stuck in traffic while Victoria is in the boardroom.
David

Running 5 late. Just need to touch base with the team first.

David
Victoria
Victoria

Cut the fluff, David. Getting here now is imperative.

💡
Victoria uses 'imperative' to signal that his presence is non-negotiable and urgent. She shuts down David's attempt to use corporate jargon ('touch base', 'cut the fluff') with a cold, authoritative command.

Ý nghĩa

adjective

Of vital importance; crucial.

"It is imperative that we leave immediately to catch the flight."

adjective

Giving an authoritative command; peremptory.

"The sergeant spoke in an imperative tone that left no room for argument."

noun

An essential or urgent thing.

"The moral imperative to help those in need outweighs personal gain."

noun

A grammatical mood that forms a command or request.

"In the sentence 'Shut the door', the verb is in the imperative mood."

Last Updated: May 23, 2026Report an Error