What does "mandatory" mean?
A sign or line that require the path of the disc to be above, below or to one side of it.
Mandatory
/ˈmæn.dəˌt(ɔ)ɹi/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A sign or line that require the path of the disc to be above, below or to one side of it.
- Grammar: mandatory is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: compulsory, required, absolute, ally.
- Useful contrasts: nonessential, unnecessary, academic personal interest.
- Usage evidence: The mandatory character of schooling is rarely analyzed in the multitude of works dedicated to the study of the various ways to develop within children the desire to learn.
How to use "mandatory"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "mandatory" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "mandatory" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "mandatory" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "mandatory" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "mandatory" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "compulsory" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "mandatory", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A sign or line that require the path of the disc to be above, below or to one side of it.
- 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 wordnet
- 3 A person, organisation or state who receives a mandate; a mandatary. dated, rare
- 4 the recipient of a mandate wordnet
Adjective
- 1 obligatory; required or commanded by authority.
"Attendance at a school is usually mandatory for children."
- 2 Of, being or relating to a mandate.
"Mandatory Palestine"
Adjective
- 1 required by rule wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"The mandatory character of schooling is rarely analyzed in the multitude of works dedicated to the study of the various ways to develop within children the desire to learn."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "mandatory"?
Common synonyms include: compulsory, required, absolute, ally, authoritative, behooving.
How do you use "mandatory" in a sentence?
The mandatory character of schooling is rarely analyzed in the multitude of works dedicated to the study of the various ways to develop within children the desire to learn.
How do you pronounce "mandatory"?
Pronounced /ˈmæn.dəˌt(ɔ)ɹi/.
Etymology
From Late Latin mandatorius (“of or belonging to a mandator”), from mandātor (“one who commands”), equivalent to mandate + -ory; see mandate.