Mandatory

Definition

Required by law or rules; compulsory.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmændəˌtɔri/
• Respelling: MAN-duh-tor-ee (with "MAN" as in "man," "duh" as in "duh," "tor" as in "torn," and "ee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmændətəri/
• Respelling: MAN-duh-tuh-ree (with "MAN" as in "man," "duh" as in "duh," "tuh" as in "sofa," and "ree" as in "see")

In both dialects, "mandatory" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MAN." The pronunciation differs slightly between American and British English, with "MAN-duh-tor-ee" in American English and "MAN-duh-tuh-ree" in British English.

Etymology

Derived from the Late Latin "mandatorius", pertaining to a mandating or commanding, which itself originates from the Latin word "mandatum", meaning "a command".

Derivatives

• Mandatorily
• Non-mandatory
• Mandatoriness
• Pre-mandatory
• Post-mandatory

Synonyms

• Obligatory
• Compulsory
• Required

Antonyms

• Optional
• Voluntary
• Elective

Usage

"Mandatory" is often used in legal, educational, and organizational contexts to indicate requirements that must be followed. It applies to rules, regulations, and procedures that are not optional.

• It's mandatory for all employees to attend the training session.
• Wearing helmets while biking is mandatory in many countries.

Related Terms

• Obligation
• Requirement
• Necessity
• Imperative
• Stipulation

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Required by law or rules; compulsory.
• Example: Mandatory health checks were implemented for all travelers.

• Of or relating to a mandate or command.
• Example: The company's mandatory guidelines ensured standardization across all branches.

• Holding or constituting a purely formal position or title without any real authority.
• Example: The king was a mandatory figurehead, with the council holding true power.