Words / B1

MAND-uh-t-uh-ree/ˈmændətəri/

Mandatory means required by a rule or law. Compulsory is a close twin (already familiar in exams); optional is the opposite. Oblige is a related verb. NHS: the safeguarding module is mandatory before you start on the ward.

Meaning

Required by a rule or law; you must do it.

Examples

• “The safeguarding module is mandatory before you start on the ward.”
• “A mandatory lanyard is not the same as a voluntary charity pin.”

Good to know

mandatory + training / check / module. Close: compulsory. Opposite: optional. NHS / exams / HSE. Not “mandatorily” in most B1 news.

Near in meaning

compulsory

New