Urgent

Definition

Urgent refers to something requiring immediate attention or action.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɜrdʒənt/
• Respelling: UR-jent (with "UR" as in "fur" and "jent" rhyming with "gent")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɜːdʒənt/
• Respelling: UR-jent (similar to American English, with "UR" as in "fur" and "jent" like in "gent")

In both dialects, "urgent" is pronounced similarly, with the primary difference being the length and quality of the 'ɜ' sound in the first syllable. In British English, this vowel sound tends to be slightly longer and more open. The "jent" part of the word is pronounced similarly in both American and British English.

Etymology

The term "urgent" originates from the Latin word "urgēns," which is the present participle of "urgēre" meaning "to press, push, or drive". Over time, the term has evolved to represent the pressing need or requirement for immediate action.

Derivatives

• Urgency
• Urgently
• Urgentness
• Non-urgent
• Semi-urgent

Synonyms

• Critical
• Immediate
• Pressing

Antonyms

• Noncritical
• Optional
• Trivial

Usage

• "The patient's condition was deemed urgent, requiring immediate medical intervention."
• "She received an urgent message from her family back home."

Related Terms

• Emergency
• Priority
• Crucial

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Requiring Immediate Action: Refers to situations, needs, or issues that demand swift attention or remedy.
• Example: The urgent appeal for donations helped raise funds for the disaster victims.

• Conveying Hurry or Importance: Expressing a sense of haste or significant importance, often indicating a short timeframe.
• Example: His voice had an urgent tone, signaling that something was amiss.

• Pressing or Compelling: Pertaining to something that compels or pushes one to act due to its importance.
• Example: The lack of clean water is an urgent issue in many parts of the world.