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Obligatory vs Imperative - What's the difference?

obligatory | imperative |

As adjectives the difference between obligatory and imperative

is that obligatory is imposing obligation, morally or legally; binding while imperative is essential.

As a noun 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.

obligatory

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Imposing obligation, morally or legally; binding.
    • an obligatory promise
  • * Richard Baxter
    • if he speak the words of an oath in a strange language, thinking they signify something else, or if he spake in his sleep, or deliration, or distraction, it is no oath, and so not obligatory .
  • Requiring a matter or obligation.

    • Antonyms

    * optional

    Related terms

    * obligate * obligated * obligation * obligational * obligato * obligatorily * oblige * obligee * obliger * obliging * obligingly * obligingness * obligor

    External links

    *

    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