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imperative

noun/ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/

definition

an essential or urgent thing that must be done

example

In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about current events is an imperative for making responsible decisions.

synonyms
necessityrequirementobligation
word origin — from Latin 'imperativus', meaning 'to command', derived from 'imperare', meaning 'to order'

SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 20

Set 20 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: imperative, desolate, archaic, pragmatic, permeable. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. imperative · noun/ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/

    an essential or urgent thing that must be done

    In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about current events is an imperative for making responsible decisions.

    Synonyms: necessity, requirement, obligation

    Origin: from Latin 'imperativus', meaning 'to command', derived from 'imperare', meaning 'to order'

  2. desolate · adjective/ˈdɛs.ə.lɪt/

    deserted and barren of inhabitants or vegetation

    The desolate landscape stretched before us, revealing only barren hills and abandoned houses.

    Synonyms: deserted, bleak, barren

    Origin: from Latin 'desolatus', past participle of 'desolare', meaning 'to abandon, leave desolate'

  3. archaic · adjective/ɑːrˈkeɪ.ɪk/

    no longer in common use or outdated

    The law was written in an archaic language that many people found difficult to understand.

    Synonyms: outdated, obsolete, antiquated

    Origin: from Greek 'arkhaikos', meaning 'ancient', from 'arkhē', meaning 'beginning, origin'

  4. pragmatic · adjective/præɡˈmætɪk/

    dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations

    Her pragmatic approach to problem-solving allows the team to overcome challenges efficiently.

    Synonyms: practical, realistic, sensible

    Origin: The word 'pragmatic' comes from the Greek 'pragmatikos', which means 'done', 'acted', or 'practical', derived from 'pragma', meaning 'deed' or 'action'.

  5. permeable · adjective/ˈpɜrmiəbl/

    allowing liquids or gases to pass through

    The chemical plant used permeable membranes to separate different gases during the production process.

    Synonyms: porous, penetrable, absorbent

    Origin: From Latin 'permeabilis', meaning 'that can be passed through', from 'permeare' (to pass through).