Imperative meaning : (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. (grammar) A verb in imperative mood. An essential action, a must: something which is imperative. Essential; crucial; extremely important. (grammar) Of, or relating to the imperative mood. Having semantics that incorporates mutable variables. Expressing a command; authoritatively or absolutely directive.