Langimage
English

imperativeness

|im/per/a/tive/ness|

C1

/ɪmˈpɛrətɪvnəs/

(imperative)

vital importance

Base FormNoun
imperativeimperatives
Etymology
Etymology Information

'imperative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'imperativus,' where 'imperare' meant 'to command.'

Historical Evolution

'imperativus' transformed into the Old French word 'imperatif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'imperative' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to command or order,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'of vital importance.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the quality of being imperative or of vital importance.

The imperativeness of addressing climate change cannot be overstated.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35