Mandate

Definition

An official order or commission to do something; the authority granted by a constituency to act as its representative.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmænˌdeɪt/
• Respelling: MAN-dayt (with "MAN" as in "man" and "dayt" as in "date")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmænˌdeɪt/
• Respelling: MAN-dayt (with "MAN" as in "man" and "dayt" as in "date")

In both dialects, "mandate" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MAN." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MAN-dayt."

Etymology

Originates from the Latin word "mandatum", which means "a command". It's derived from "mandare", meaning "to order" or "to commit to one's charge".

Derivatives

• Mandator
• Mandatee
• Mandatorily
• Mandated
• Mandating

Synonyms

• Directive
• Command
• Instruction

Antonyms

• Request
• Suggestion
• Option

Usage

Mandates are used in various contexts including legal, political, and organizational environments to denote authority or an official command.

Related Terms

• Commission
• Order
• Decree
• Edict
• Jurisdiction

Detailed Definition

Noun

• An official order or command to do something.
• Example: The health organization issued a mandate for all citizens to be vaccinated.

• The authority granted by a constituency to its elected representative.
• Example: The mayor claimed he had a strong mandate after winning the election by a landslide.

• A territory transferred by one country to another.
• Example: After the war, the region became a mandate under international control.

Verb

• To require or order (something) by law or other authority.
• Example: The government mandated regular inspections of factories.

• To entrust (a territory or people) to the administration of another country.
• Example: The region was mandated to the neighboring country after the treaty.