IMPER'ATIVE, adjective [Latin imperativus, from impero, to command. See Empire.] 1. Commanding; expressive of command; containing positive command, as distinguished from advisory, or discretionary. The orders are imperative 2. In grammar, the imperative mode of a verb is that which expresses command, entreaty, advice or exhortation; as, go, write, attend.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI