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Obligatory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obligatory

[əˈblɪɡəˌtɔːri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

legal

required by law, rule, or agreement; compulsory

Synonyms

compulsory, mandatory, necessary, required.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obligatory

This word is mistakenly repeated in the list, refer to the context provided above.
mandatory

This word is used to indicate that something is required and must be followed, often with a legal or official connotation. It’s stronger and more formal than 'required'.

  • It is mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle
  • A mandatory meeting was scheduled for all employees
compulsory

This word is used when something is required by law or authority and is not optional, often in the context of education, training, or legal obligations.

  • Attending school is compulsory for children in many countries
  • Military service can be compulsory in some nations
required

This word is used to describe something that is necessary according to rules, standards, or needs. It is less formal than 'mandatory' but still implies a need or regulation.

  • A password is required to access the account
  • The uniform is required attire for the event
necessary

This word is used when something is needed to achieve a certain result or to maintain a certain situation. It implies that without it, something important cannot happen.

  • It is necessary to drink water to stay hydrated
  • Good planning is necessary for success

Examples of usage

  • It is obligatory for all citizens to pay taxes.
  • Attendance at the meeting is obligatory for all employees.
  • Failure to wear a seatbelt in the car is obligatory by law.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, certain rituals or traditions are obligatory during significant life events like weddings or funerals.
  • Schools often establish obligatory subjects, like math and language, to ensure a well-rounded education.
  • In various work environments, keeping obligatory meetings ensures everyone is informed and aligned with organizational goals.

Psychology

  • Human behaviors are often influenced by obligatory duties, leading to stress when these responsibilities feel overwhelming.
  • Obligation can create a sense of anxiety, as individuals may struggle to balance personal desires with required tasks.
  • Research illustrates that perceived obligations can affect motivation; some people work better when they feel they have a choice rather than a mandate.

Law

  • Certain obligations are codified in laws, such as tax payments or jury duty, emphasizing the role of citizens in governance.
  • Failure to meet obligatory legal responsibilities can result in penalties, including fines or community service.
  • Environmental regulations often set obligatory standards that businesses must follow to minimize harm and promote sustainability.

Literature

  • Obligatory themes of duty and moral choices are prevalent in classic literature, exploring characters’ struggles with their responsibilities.
  • In many narratives, protagonists face obligatory challenges that shape their character development and choices.
  • Dramatic works often highlight the tension between personal desires and societal obligations, adding depth to the plot.

Origin of 'obligatory'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'obligatorius,' which means 'binding' or 'to bind.'
  • It started being used in English around the 15th century, highlighting the importance of duty and responsibility.
  • Originally, the term was connected to legal or moral duties that one had to fulfill.

The word 'obligatory' originated from the Latin word 'obligātus', the past participle of 'obligāre', which means 'to bind, oblige'. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century. Over time, 'obligatory' has retained its meaning of something that is required or compulsory, especially in legal or formal contexts.

See also: obligate, obligated, obligation, obliged, obligee, obliging.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,481, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.