imperative
Syllabification: (im·per·a·tive)
Pronunciation: /imˈperətiv/
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Definition of imperative
adjective
noun
Derivatives
Origin:
late Middle English (as a grammatical term): from late Latin imperativus (literally 'specially ordered', translating Greek prostatikē enklisis 'imperative mood'), from imperare 'to command', from in- 'toward' + parare 'make ready'
Grammar
The imperative is the form of the verb used to make commands:“Go away!” cried Mary. It consists of the stem of the verb. Imperative clauses have a special form. They resemble a normal clause, but there is no subject. In effect the subject is you, but it is not stated:“(You) go away!” cried Mary.