Definition

1. Noun:

   • An official order or commission to do something: A "mandate" is an authoritative command or instruction, often given by a higher authority.
   • The authority to carry out a policy, regarded as given by the electorate to a party or candidate that wins an election: In politics, a "mandate" is the approval or authority granted by voters to a government or official to implement specific policies.
   • A territory placed under the administration of a state by the League of Nations or the United Nations: Historically, a "mandate" was a region entrusted to a country's governance by an international body.

2. Verb:

   • To give (someone) authority to act in a certain way: To officially require or order something to be done.
   • To make mandatory: To officially decree that something is required.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The government received a clear mandate from the people to reform healthcare.
  • The League of Nations granted Britain a mandate over Palestine.
  • He acted under a mandate from the board of directors.

• Verb:

  • The new law mandates the use of seat belts for all passengers.
  • The court mandated a review of the procedures.
  • The committee was mandated to investigate the issue.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a mandate": to possess the official authority or public support to do something.

  • The president claims he has a mandate to cut taxes.

• "mandatory" (adj): required by law or rules; compulsory.

  • Attendance at the safety briefing is mandatory.

Variants and Related Words

• Mandatory (adjective): Required by law or rule; obligatory.

  • Vaccination is mandatory for school enrollment.

• Mandator (noun): A person or entity that gives a mandate.

  • The mandator instructed the agent to proceed.

Synonyms

• Noun: Command, order, directive, instruction, commission, authority.
• Verb: Require, command, order, decree, direct, authorize.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• "to mandate for": to officially require or authorize something for a specific purpose.
  • The policy mandates stricter controls for financial institutions.

Related Idioms

• "A popular mandate": The authority a government has because a majority of voters supported its policies.
  • The election victory was seen as a popular mandate for change.

Noun

1. the commission that is given to a government and its policies through an electoral victory
2. a territory surrendered by Turkey or Germany after World War I and put under the tutelage of some other European power until they are able to stand by themselves
3. a document giving an official instruction or command

Verb

1. assign authority to
2. make mandatory
   • the new director of the school board mandated regular tests
3. assign under a mandate
   • mandate a colony