adjective / noun
mandatory
MAN-duh-tor-ee/ˈmændətɔːri/
Required by a rule, law, or authority.
The worker puts on a hard hat because it is mandatory.
Etymology
Latin mandatorius connected something with a person giving a charge or command. The adjective shifted from describing something containing a command to describing something obligatory because commanded.
In context
… in addition to the mandatory safety equipment that you are required to carry on your boat …
More examples
- Attendance was mandatory.
- The course includes mandatory training.
- They objected to the mandatory fee.
Forms
mandatory
Similar words
- compulsory
- Similarly means required rather than optional.
- obligatory
- Can arise from social duty as well as rules.