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imperative

[/ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/]
adjective, nounmasculine (noun form: o imperativo)pl: imperatives
imperativo
1. (adjective) Of vital importance; urgent and necessary
It is imperative that we leave immediately.
É imperativo que saiamos imediatamente.
2. (adjective) Giving or expressing a command; having the nature of a command
Her imperative tone left no room for discussion.
Seu tom imperativo não deixava espaço para discussão.
3. (noun) A verb form used to express a command or request
In the sentence 'Go home!', 'go' is in the imperative mood.
Na frase 'Vá para casa!', 'vá' está no modo imperativo.
4. (noun) An essential or urgent requirement; something that cannot be avoided
Environmental protection is a moral imperative.
A proteção ambiental é um imperativo moral.
Synonyms
urgentessentialnecessarymandatorypressingcriticaldemanding
Antonyms
optionalunnecessarydiscretionaryinessential

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
imperativo
Standard usage for both adjective and noun forms
Portugal
imperativo
Standard usage; occasionally 'imperioso' for the adjective form in formal contexts
São Paulo
imperativo
Standard usage in both formal and informal contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

categorical imperative
moral imperative
political imperative
business imperative
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