What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exigent
Example
The exigent circumstances required the police to act quickly. [exigent: adjective]
Example
The company faced an exigent need for new leadership. [exigent: noun]
imperative
Example
It is imperative that we finish this project on time. [imperative: adjective]
Example
The boss issued an imperative to complete the report by the end of the day. [imperative: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imperative is more commonly used than exigent in everyday language. Imperative is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while exigent is less common and typically used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exigent and imperative?
Exigent is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while imperative can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.