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Imperative vs Definitive - What's the difference?

imperative | definitive |

In grammar terms the difference between imperative and definitive

is that imperative is of, or relating to the imperative mood while definitive is a word, such as a definite article or demonstrative pronoun, that defines or limits something.

As adjectives the difference between imperative and definitive

is that imperative is essential while definitive is explicitly defined.

As nouns the difference between imperative and definitive

is that imperative is the grammatical mood expressing an order (see jussive). In English, the imperative form of a verb is the same as that of the bare infinitive while definitive is a word, such as a definite article or demonstrative pronoun, that defines or limits something.

imperative

English

Alternative forms

*

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • essential
    • It is imperative that you come here right now.
  • (computing theory) Having a semantics that incorporates mutable variables.
  • (grammar) of, or relating to the imperative mood
  • Expressing a command; authoritatively or absolutely directive.
    • imperative orders
  • * Bishop Hall
    • The suits of kings are imperative .

    Noun

  • (uncountable, grammar) The grammatical mood expressing an order (see jussive). In English, the imperative form of a verb is the same as that of the bare infinitive.
    • The verbs in sentences like "Do it!" and "Say what you like!" are in the imperative .
  • (countable, grammar) A verb in imperative mood.
  • (countable) An essential action, a must: something which is imperative.
    • Visiting Berlin is an imperative .
  • *

    • Synonyms

    * (grammatical mood) imperative mood

    Derived terms

    * first imperative (Latin grammar) * second imperative (Latin grammar) * categorical imperative

    Coordinate terms

    * (in grammar) assertoric, interrogative

    definitive

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • explicitly defined
  • conclusive or decisive
  • definite, authoritative and complete
  • * Sir Thomas Browne
    • A strict and definitive truth.
  • * Prescott
    • Some definitive scheme of reconciliation.
  • Limiting; determining.
    • a definitive word
  • (philately) general, not issued for commemorative purposes
  • (obsolete) Determined; resolved.
  • * 1604 , , V. i. 424:
    • Never crave him. We are definitive .

    Derived terms

    * definitively

    Noun

    (definitive stamp) (en noun)
  • (grammar) a word, such as a definite article or demonstrative pronoun, that defines or limits something
  • (philately) an ordinary postage stamp that is part of a series of all denominations or is reprinted as needed to meet demand