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Mandates Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mandates

[ˈmæn.deɪts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government

Official orders or commands issued by a government or other authority.

Synonyms

decrees, directives, orders.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mandates

Official orders or instructions, often given by an authority like a government or organization. Used particularly in situations where compliance is obligatory.

  • The government issued mandates to wear masks in public places
orders

Commands given with authority, often in a military, workplace, or legal setting. Implies a requirement for obedience.

  • The CEO gave orders to expand the marketing team immediately
directives

Instructions from higher authorities that give guidance on how something should or should not be done. Commonly used in organizational or bureaucratic contexts.

  • The EU issued several directives to improve digital privacy and security
decrees

Formal and authoritative orders, often issued by a head of state or governmental body. Usually has a connotation of something being unchallengeable and final.

  • The king issued a decree banning all public gatherings

Examples of usage

  • The new law imposes strict mandates on companies to reduce carbon emissions.
  • The government issued a mandate requiring all citizens to wear masks in public places.
Context #2 | Verb

official requirement

To officially require something to be done.

Synonyms

compel, obligate, require.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mandates

Used when referring to an official order or commission to do something, often from an authoritative body like a government or organization.

  • The government mandates that all citizens wear seat belts while driving
  • The new law mandates stricter emissions standards for factories
require

Typically used to indicate a necessity or condition that must be met. Common in both everyday and formal language.

  • You require a valid ID to enter the club
  • The job requires excellent communication skills
compel

Implies forcing someone to do something through pressure, necessity, or moral obligation. Often carries a stronger, more urgent connotation.

  • They compel employees to work overtime during peak seasons
  • Circumstances compelled her to make a difficult decision
obligate

Used in formal contexts to signify that someone is legally or morally bound to do something. Can also indicate a sense of duty.

  • The contract obligates the company to finish the project by the end of the month
  • He felt obligated to help his friend move

Examples of usage

  • The company mandates regular safety training for all employees.
  • The law mandates that all vehicles must be equipped with airbags.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Political Science

  • In politics, a mandate refers to the authority granted to a political leader or party by voters to act on their behalf.
  • A candidate can claim a mandate after winning an election, asserting their victory as a signal from the populace to implement specific policies.
  • Mandates can also stem from referendums, where the public votes directly on specific issues.

Business

  • In a corporate setting, mandates are often seen in the form of company policies that employees are expected to adhere to.
  • Strategic mandates outline the goals and objectives a company must achieve, guiding decision-making.
  • In project management, a mandate might set the scope and goals for a specific initiative, ensuring alignment with the organization's vision.

Legal Framework

  • Legal mandates can refer to court orders that compel actions, like a mandate to cease certain activities or pay fines.
  • In international law, mandates can involve the supervision of territories until they are ready for self-governance, as seen after World War I.
  • A mandate from a regulatory body establishes rules that must be followed by companies within that industry.

Cultural Impact

  • Social movements often seek a mandate from the public to address issues like climate change or social justice.
  • Cultural mandates can define societal expectations, influencing things like fashion trends or popular ideologies.
  • Mandates are frequently referenced in discussions about the responsibilities of leaders to represent their constituents’ desires.

Origin of 'mandates'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mandate' comes from the Latin 'mandatum,' which means 'something commanded.'
  • In historical contexts, mandates were often given by rulers or governments to enforce laws or guidelines.
  • The term began to appear in English in the late Middle Ages, indicating a shift towards structured governance.

The word 'mandate' originated from the Latin word 'mandatum', which means 'a command'. The term has been used in English since the 16th century, originally in the legal sense of an official order or commission. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a broader meaning of an official requirement or directive.

See also: mandated, mandatory.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,701, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.