Im*per"a*tive (?), a. [L. imperativus, fr. imperare to command; pref. im- in + parare to make ready, prepare: cf. F. imp'eratif. See Perade, and cf. Empire.]
1.
Expressive of command; containing positive command; authoritatively or absolutely directive; commanding; authoritative; as, imperative orders.
The suit of kings are imperative.
Bp. Hall.
2.
Not to be avoided or evaded; obligatory; binding; compulsory; as, an imperative duty or order.
3. Gram.
Expressive of commund, entreaty, advice, or exhortation; as, the imperative mood.
© Webster 1913.
Im*per"a*tive, n. Gram.
The imperative mood; also, a verb in the imperative mood.
© Webster 1913.