a.

1. 必要的；緊急的；極重要的
   It is imperative to act now.

   現在必須行動起來。

2. 命令式的；必須服從的；專橫的
   He made an imperative gesture.

   他做了個命令式的手勢。

3. 【語】祈使法的
   the imperative mood

   祈使語氣

n.

1. 必須履行的責任；必要的事；需要[C]
   Job creation has become an imperative for the government.

   創造就業機會成了政府必須做的事。

2. 命令；規則[C]
   follow the imperatives of history

   遵從歷史規律

3. 【語】祈使語氣[U]；祈使語氣動詞[C]

adj.

1. of vital importance.
2. giving an authoritative command.
   ▸Grammar  denoting the mood of a verb that expresses a command or exhortation, as in come here!

n.