French Conversation · Level 82
60 words
French word
impératif
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛ̃peʁatif/
Meaning
- adjectiveessential
Example
Il est impératif de répondre aujourd'hui.
It is essential to respond today.
More examples
C'est impératif de vérifier les dates avant de réserver.
It is imperative to check the dates before booking.
Core concept
A firm command points to an action that cannot be postponed or omitted.
Common phrases
il est impératif de + infinitif
it is imperative to ___
c'est impératif
It is imperative
Similar words
indispensable: Absolutely needed and impossible to do without.
essentiel: Important and impossible to do without.
nécessaire: Required for something to be done.
urgent: Allowing no delay and requiring quick action.
Definition in French
Qui est indispensable et doit être fait sans délai, imposant une obligation.
Word origin
Impératif is formed from Latin imperare, to command, through imperativus, an adjective meaning related to command.
Usage tips
- As an adjective, impératif changes for gender and number, giving impérative, impératifs, and impératives.
Other meanings
- urgentadjective
- imperative moodnoun
Opposites
- facultatifoptionaladjective
- optionneloptionaladjective
Related words
- impérativementabsolutelyadverb
- impératifimperative moodnoun