From Late Latin mandatorius, meaning belonging to one who commands, through the family of mandate. The core idea is an authoritative command or commission.
FAQ
What does mandatory mean?
Mandatory means required by a law, rule, order, policy, or other authority.
Is mandatory the same as compulsory?
Yes. Compulsory, required, and obligatory are common synonyms for mandatory.
What is the opposite of mandatory?
The main opposites of mandatory are optional, voluntary, discretionary, and elective.
Can mandatory mean optional?
No. Mandatory means there is no free choice, so using it for optional rules reverses the meaning.
What is the difference between mandatory and mandated?
Mandatory describes something required. Mandated usually means imposed or ordered by an authority.
What does Mandatory Palestine mean?
Mandatory Palestine refers to Palestine under a League of Nations mandate, not to something that was simply required.
Can mandatory be a noun?
Yes, but it is rare and formal. A mandatory is a mandate-holder, especially a state administering a mandate territory.
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