Mandatory
ˈmændətɔːri
Definitions
Required by law or rule; compulsory.
ˈmændətɔːri
Required by law or rules; compulsory.
Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in most countries.
💡 Simply: It's like when your parents say you *have* to clean your room. It's mandatory, or required by a rule.
👶 For kids: Something that you *have* to do because someone says so.
More Examples
The company implemented a mandatory retirement age.
The judge ruled the DNA test was mandatory for the defendant.
How It's Used
"Mandatory sentencing guidelines were implemented to reduce judicial discretion."
"Vaccinations are mandatory for all students attending the university."
"Employees are required to attend mandatory training sessions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
mandatory minimum
A minimum sentence required by law for a specific crime.
"The judge had to impose a mandatory minimum sentence due to the severity of the crime."
From Late Latin *mandatorius* ('commanding, relating to a mandate'), from *mandatum* ('command, order'), from *mandare* ('to command').
The word 'mandatory' began appearing in English in the early 17th century, primarily in legal and administrative contexts, reflecting the increasing bureaucratization of governance.
Memory tip
Think of a *mandate* - it's something you HAVE to do.
Word Origin
"commanding, relating to a mandate"