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Definitions and Meaning in English:

• Mandatory (adjective): Required by law or rule; compulsory. It describes something that must be done or followed, and failure to comply with it often results in legal or social consequences.
• It can also refer to something that is strongly recommended or expected in a given context.

History and Origin: The word mandatory comes from the Latin mandare, meaning “to command or order.” It entered English in the 17th century, carrying the sense of something that is ordered or commanded. Over time, it became commonly associated with legal or official obligations, especially in terms of rules or regulations that must be followed.

Detailed Explanation: When something is described as mandatory, it means that it is not optional and must be done according to specific rules, laws, or regulations. For example, in a workplace, mandatory training means that employees are required by their employer to attend. The term can apply in various contexts, such as legal obligations (like paying taxes), educational requirements (such as mandatory attendance), or corporate policies. The term implies an obligation, often with consequences for non-compliance.

Example Sentences:

1. Wearing a helmet is mandatory when riding a bike on these roads.
2. The company’s new policy makes safety training mandatory for all employees.
3. Voting is mandatory in some countries, where citizens face penalties for not participating.
4. The mandatory meeting for all staff will take place tomorrow morning.
5. He received a mandatory sentence for his actions, which he could not avoid.
6. It is mandatory for students to submit their assignments before the deadline.
7. The new regulations made it mandatory for all businesses to report their earnings.
8. The mandatory rest period was enforced to ensure the workers’ health and safety.
9. Parents must complete mandatory paperwork before enrolling their child in the school.

Synonyms with Short Explanation:

1. Compulsory – Required by law or rule, synonymous with mandatory in contexts of legal or obligatory actions.
2. Obligatory – Something that is required or expected, much like mandatory, often in formal contexts.
3. Required – Something that must be done, similar to mandatory, especially in rules or instructions.
4. Enforced – A term used when rules or laws are actively required to be followed, like mandatory policies.
5. Imperative – Essential or urgent, often used in the context of actions that must be performed, similar to mandatory.

Related Words with Short Explanation:

1. Regulation – An official rule or law that mandates certain actions, similar to what is described as mandatory.
2. Obligation – A duty or responsibility that requires action, often something mandatory.
3. Compliance – The act of following rules or standards, as required by mandatory regulations.
4. Prerequisite – A requirement that must be met before proceeding, similar to something mandatory for progression.
5. Lawful – Conforming to the law, often relating to actions that are mandatory by legal standards.

More Matches with Short Explanation:

1. Enforcement – The act of ensuring compliance with laws or rules, especially mandatory ones.
2. Statutory – Relating to laws or statutes, often referring to mandatory legal requirements.
3. Constitutional – Relating to the principles or laws of a nation, often with mandatory clauses.
4. Binding – Something that is legally or morally obligatory, similar to mandatory.
5. Proscribed – Forbidden or prohibited by rule or law, often in contrast with something mandatory.

Antonyms:

1. Optional – Not required, available as a choice, the opposite of mandatory.
2. Voluntary – Done by choice or consent, not imposed or required, the opposite of mandatory.
3. Discretionary – Left to one’s own judgment, not mandatory or compulsory.
4. Exempt – Not subject to a rule or requirement, in contrast to mandatory.
5. Unnecessary – Not required, optional or superfluous, opposite of mandatory.