ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mandatory

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈmændəˌtɔɹi// UK //mˈændətəɹˌi// manda·to·ry Archaic

adj. describing something that you must do because of a rule or law. You do not have a choice in the matter.

adj. required by law or mandate; compulsory. Frequently used in legal, administrative, or educational contexts to indicate an obligatory action.


SIMPLE

Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in most countries.

CONTEXTUAL

The company made the safety training mandatory for all new employees to ensure compliance with insurance regulations.

COMPLEX

While the initial proposal suggested voluntary participation, the committee eventually rendered the vaccinations mandatory to safeguard the health of the broader student population.

Synonyms
Origin

From Late Latin mandatorius (“of or belonging to a mandator”), from mandātor (“one who commands”), equivalent to mandate + -ory; see mandate.

Usage

Typically functions as an attributive adjective before a noun or a predicative adjective after a linking verb.

Pitfall

It is mandatory to you to attend.It is mandatory for you to attend.When specifying the person affected, the adjective takes the preposition 'for', not 'to'.

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