Compulsory: meaning, definitions and examples
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compulsory
[kəmˈpʌlsəri ]
Definitions
education
required by law or a rule; obligatory
Synonyms
mandatory, obligatory, required.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compulsory |
Often used in official or formal settings, especially in education or legal contexts. It implies that something must be done by law or rule.
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| mandatory |
Used when something is required by law, rules, or regulations. This word often appears in legal or official documents.
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| obligatory |
Often used in formal contexts or when discussing moral or social duties. It implies a sense of moral or social obligation, sometimes perceived as burdensome.
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| required |
Common in everyday use, it simply means that something is necessary or needed. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal.
|
Examples of usage
- Compulsory education laws require children to attend school until a certain age.
- The college has a compulsory attendance policy for all students.
workplace
required or expected as part of a job or course of study
Synonyms
essential, mandatory, required.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compulsory |
When something is legally or officially required and cannot be avoided.
|
| mandatory |
When something must be done because of a rule or law, often used in more formal contexts.
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| required |
When something is needed, demanded, or specified as necessary.
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| essential |
When something is absolutely necessary or extremely important for a particular purpose or situation.
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Examples of usage
- The training course includes compulsory modules on safety procedures.
- Attendance at the conference is compulsory for all employees.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'compulsorius', which means 'to drive together' or 'to force'.
- It entered the English language in the 15th century, originally related to obligations and duties.
- Related words include 'compel', which also means to make someone do something.
Education
- In many countries, education is compulsory for children up to a certain age, ensuring they receive basic knowledge.
- Compulsory subjects, like math or language, are required in school curricula to provide foundational skills.
- The concept of compulsory education began in the 19th century, with countries recognizing the importance of literacy.
Law
- Compulsory laws refer to regulations that must be followed, such as wearing seatbelts while driving.
- Various military services are considered compulsory in some nations, requiring citizens to serve for a period.
- This term is often used in contracts, indicating certain actions that must legally be taken.
Psychology
- The feeling of something being compulsory can create performance anxiety, where individuals feel pressured to fulfill obligations.
- People may react negatively to compulsory actions, leading to resistance or rebellion, especially in younger individuals.
- Understanding the psychology behind compulsory tasks can help in designing better motivational strategies.
Pop Culture
- Movies often feature characters who rebel against compulsory roles, highlighting themes of freedom and choice.
- Popular songs sometimes critique compulsory societal norms, encouraging listeners to think independently.
- Compulsory activities, like attending certain events, are common plot points in comedy films.
Translations
Translations of the word "compulsory" in other languages:
🇵🇹 obrigatório
🇮🇳 अनिवार्य (Anivārya)
🇩🇪 obligatorisch
🇮🇩 wajib
🇺🇦 обов'язковий
🇵🇱 obowiązkowy
🇯🇵 必須 (ひっす, hissu)
🇫🇷 obligatoire
🇪🇸 obligatorio
🇹🇷 zorunlu
🇰🇷 의무적인 (uimujŏgin)
🇸🇦 إلزامي (ilzami)
🇨🇿 povinný
🇸🇰 povinný
🇨🇳 强制的 (qiángzhì de)
🇸🇮 obvezen
🇮🇸 skyldubundinn
🇰🇿 міндетті
🇬🇪 სავალდებულო (savaldebulo)
🇦🇿 məcburi
🇲🇽 obligatorio