Compulsory
/kəmˈpʌlsəri/
Definitions
Required by law or a rule; mandatory; obligatory.
/kəmˈpʌlsəri/
Required by law or a rule; obligatory.
Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory in most countries.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have to do something, no matter what. Like, if the school says you *have* to take math, that's compulsory. You don't get a choice!
👶 For kids: If you have to do something because the rules say so, it's compulsory.
More Examples
Attendance at the meeting was compulsory for all team members.
The government introduced compulsory voting to increase participation.
Physical education is a compulsory subject in high school.
How It's Used
"Compulsory education ensures children receive a basic level of schooling."
"Employees must attend the compulsory safety training."
From Late Latin *compulsorius*, meaning 'forcing,' from *compellere* ('to compel'), derived from *com-* ('with, together') + *pellere* ('to drive').
The term 'compulsory' has been used since the early 17th century, largely in legal and educational contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a 'compulsion' to do something—it's something you *have* to do.