Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Required by law or rule; obligatory: Something that is mandatory must be done because of a law, rule, or other formal requirement. It is not optional.
   • Of or relating to a mandate: Pertaining to an official order or commission to do something.

2. Noun:

   • A mandated territory: A territory placed under the control of a nation by the League of Nations or United Nations after World War I or II.
   • The holder of a mandate: The person or nation receiving such a commission or authority.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all passengers.
  • The company has a mandatory training session for new employees.
  • Attendance at the meeting is mandatory.

• Noun:

  • After the war, the region became a British mandatory. (This usage is historical and less common.)
  • The League of Nations assigned several territories as mandatories to various powers.

Advanced Usage

• "Mandatory requirement": A necessary condition that must be fulfilled.

  • A valid passport is a mandatory requirement for international travel.

• "Mandatory sentencing": A legal system where judges must impose a predetermined sentence for certain crimes.

  • The law introduced mandatory sentencing for drug trafficking offenses.

Variants and Related Words

• Mandate (noun/verb): An official order or authorization; to give such an order.

  • The government has a mandate to improve healthcare.
  • The committee was mandated to investigate the issue.

• Mandatorily (adverb): In a way that is required by rule.

  • Employees are mandatorily required to complete safety training.

Synonyms

• Compulsory: Required by law or a rule.
• Obligatory: Required as a result of a legal or moral rule.
• Required: Officially demanded or necessary.

Antonyms

• Optional: Available to be chosen but not required.
• Voluntary: Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.

Related Phrases

• "To be mandatory for": To be required for a specific person or group.

  • This vaccine is mandatory for all schoolchildren.

• "Make something mandatory": To establish something as a requirement.

  • The new policy makes background checks mandatory for all hires.

Adjective

1. required by rule
   • in most schools physical education is compulsory
   • attendance is mandatory
   • required reading

Noun

1. 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
2. the recipient of a mandate