The word "urgent" (/ˈɜːrdʒənt/) refers to something that requires immediate action or attention. The phonetic transcription of the word shows that it is pronounced with two syllables, the first one being stressed. It begins with the vowel sound /əː/, which is represented by the letter "u", followed by the consonant sound /r/. The final syllable consists of the consonant sound /dʒ/ and the vowel sound /ənt/, which is spelled with the letters "e-n-t". Remember, there is no "a" in "urgent"!
The term "urgent" is an adjective that describes a situation or task that requires immediate attention or action due to its importance or time sensitivity. It refers to something that needs to be dealt with promptly to prevent negative consequences or ensure positive outcomes.
When used to describe a situation, urgent indicates that there is a pressing need for immediate action or resolution. This could include a critical and time-sensitive matter that cannot be delayed or postponed without adverse effects. Urgent situations often demand swift response to prevent escalation or harm.
Moreover, when applied to a task or request, urgent signifies that it should be prioritized above other responsibilities. Urgent tasks generally require swift completion to meet deadlines or avoid negative consequences. Urgency implies that dedicating immediate attention and efforts to the task is vital.
The term "urgent" carries a sense of importance, indicating that the matter cannot be ignored or postponed. It suggests a need for timely action, prompt decision-making, and efficient handling. Urgency can arise in various contexts, such as medical emergencies, critical business situations, time-sensitive tasks, immediate response requirements, or pressing issues that require swift resolutions.
Thus, "urgent" connotes the importance and time sensitivity associated with a situation or task, necessitating immediate attention and action to prevent negative outcomes or ensure positive results.
Pressing; importunate; forcible.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "urgent" originated from the Latin word "urgens", which is the present participle of the verb "urgere", meaning "to press hard, insist". It entered the English language in the late 16th century, retaining its Latin roots and meaning.