imperative

Adjective

Medium difficulty

What does “imperative” mean?

adjective.of vital importance; crucial.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to urgency, necessity, or moral obligation, such as discussions about societal issues, environmental concerns, or personal decisions. It emphasizes a strong demand for action or attention, differentiating it from similar words like "important," which lacks the same sense of urgency or critical need.

Common Confusions

Imperative implies an urgent necessity for action, while important usually suggests significance without the same immediate demand for response.

Do not choose imperative if the context emphasizes triviality or irrelevance rather than vital importance or cruciality.

Example Sentences

It is imperative that you leave the building immediately.
Visiting Berlin is an imperative.
It is imperative that you come here right now.
In the wake of the crisis, it became imperative for the government to act swiftly to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

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