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Mandate: meaning, definitions and examples

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mandate

 

[ˈmæn.deɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government

An official order or commission to do something. A command or authorization to act in a particular way.

Synonyms

decree, directive, instruction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mandate

Typically used in a formal or legal context to describe an official order or commission to do something. It often implies authority and obligation.

  • The new environmental mandate requires companies to reduce carbon emissions.
  • The governor issued a mandate to improve public transportation.
directive

Used in organizational or managerial contexts to describe an authoritative instruction. It implies guidance or a course of action that needs to be followed.

  • The European Union issued a new directive on data privacy.
  • The CEO's directive was clear: increase productivity and cut costs.
instruction

Commonly used in everyday situations to describe detailed information or guidelines on how to do something. It carries a less formal and more practical tone.

  • The teacher gave instructions on how to complete the homework.
  • Follow the instructions on the back of the package for best results.
decree

Commonly used in a legal or governmental context to describe an official order issued by a legal authority. It often has a formal and sometimes authoritarian tone.

  • The king issued a royal decree to implement new tax laws.
  • A decree was passed to ensure the protection of historical landmarks.

Examples of usage

  • The president issued a mandate for stricter border control measures.
  • The mandate of the committee was to investigate the allegations of corruption.
Context #2 | Noun

business

The authority to carry out a policy or course of action as given by the electorate to a party or candidate.

Synonyms

approval, authorization, endorsement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mandate

Used when there is an official order or command to do something, often from a higher authority.

  • The government issued a mandate to reduce emissions
  • The board's mandate required immediate action
authorization

Used when official permission or power is granted, often relating to access or ability to perform certain actions.

  • You need authorization to enter the secure area
  • The doctor authorized the prescription
approval

Employed when permission or agreement is given, typically after consideration.

  • The project received approval from the board
  • She waited for her parents' approval before making a decision
endorsement

Utilized when there is support or approval, often publicly given by someone famous or authoritative.

  • The product received a celebrity endorsement
  • The policy got endorsement from several key stakeholders

Examples of usage

  • The party won a clear mandate in the election to implement their manifesto promises.
  • The new CEO received a strong mandate from the board to restructure the company.
Context #3 | Verb

government

To give (someone) authority to act in a certain way.

Synonyms

authorize, order, require.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mandate

Used in a formal or official context, often by an authoritative body like a government, to set a requirement or enact a policy.

  • The government mandated the wearing of masks in public spaces
  • The new law mandates stricter safety regulations
authorize

Used when someone with power or permission gives formal approval or permission to do something.

  • The manager authorized the purchase of new equipment
  • The bank authorized the transaction after verifying the account details
order

Used in contexts where someone in authority gives a direct and explicit command or instruction. It can have a forceful or urgent tone.

  • The captain ordered the crew to abandon ship
  • The judge issued an order to arrest the suspect immediately
require

Used when something is needed or necessary according to rules or for a specific purpose. It can imply necessity or obligation.

  • The course requires all students to submit a final project
  • The job position requires at least five years of experience

Examples of usage

  • The president mandated the use of masks in all public spaces.
  • The law mandates that all students must attend school until a certain age.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'mandatum,' meaning 'something that is commanded'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 15th century, relating mainly to commands in religious contexts.
  • In the legal sense, it has been in use since the late 19th century to refer to authoritative orders.

History

  • In the 20th century, mandates were used to describe territories administered by Western powers after World War I.
  • The League of Nations implemented mandates to govern former territories of the Ottoman Empire, shaping modern geopolitics.
  • The concept of mandates often intersected with colonial policies, impacting numerous nations' paths toward independence.

Politics

  • Elected officials often interpret their electoral success as a 'mandate' to carry out specific policies.
  • The idea of political mandate plays a critical role in discussions about the authority and legitimacy of governance.
  • In democratic systems, a mandate can empower leaders to implement reforms based on voter support.

Business

  • In corporate settings, mandates can dictate strategic directions or initiatives for employees to follow.
  • Organizations often create project mandates to ensure all team members understand objectives and scope.
  • Failure to comply with a corporate mandate can lead to disciplinary actions or loss of job security.

Law

  • In legal terms, a mandate can refer to an order issued by a court or regulatory authority.
  • Administrative agencies often receive mandates from government statutes to enforce laws and regulations.
  • Mandates in law can also extend to compel individuals or organizations to act in a specific way under legal obligation.

Translations

Translations of the word "mandate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mandato

🇮🇳 आदेश

🇩🇪 Mandat

🇮🇩 mandat

🇺🇦 мандат

🇵🇱 mandat

🇯🇵 命令 (めいれい)

🇫🇷 mandat

🇪🇸 mandato

🇹🇷 yetki

🇰🇷 명령

🇸🇦 تفويض

🇨🇿 mandát

🇸🇰 mandát

🇨🇳 授权 (shòuquán)

🇸🇮 mandat

🇮🇸 umboð

🇰🇿 мандат

🇬🇪 მანდატი

🇦🇿 mandat

🇲🇽 mandato

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,146 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.