Mandatory vs. Compulsory — What's the Difference?
Mandatory and Compulsory both imply an obligation, but Mandatory often suggests a requirement by law or rules, while Compulsory implies an enforced obligation.
Difference Between Mandatory and Compulsory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mandatory and Compulsory are two terms often used interchangeably to describe something that is required. However, they possess subtle differences. Mandatory frequently denotes something imposed by a particular authority, especially by laws or regulations. For instance, in many jurisdictions, wearing seat belts while driving is considered mandatory, a requirement set by the law.
Compulsory, meanwhile, emphasizes the notion of being forced or obliged to do something, often with potential consequences for non-compliance. It brings to mind situations wherein there's no choice but to conform. In education, for instance, certain subjects might be compulsory for students to study, ensuring a broad base of knowledge.
While the distinctions between these terms can be nuanced, context plays a significant role in their usage. Mandatory often appears in formal contexts or legal settings, indicating that something is mandated by a specific rule or authority. Compulsory, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used across various contexts, from education to everyday situations.
In essence, both words emphasize obligation, yet the nature of that obligation differs slightly. While something mandatory is obligatory because of a rule or standard, something compulsory is so because of a more direct force or coercion.
Comparison Chart
Origin of Obligation
Often due to a law or rule
Result of direct force or coercion
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Common Usage
Frequently in legal contexts
Broadly used across contexts
Implication
Something made obligatory by authority
Something one is forced to do
Flexibility
Seen as more formal and specific
More versatile in use
Examples
"Mandatory reporting of incidents"
"Compulsory attendance at meetings"
Compare with Definitions
Mandatory
Required by laws or rules.
Vaccination is mandatory for school entry.
Compulsory
Enforced with coercion.
Compulsory military service is a requirement here.
Mandatory
Obligatory due to a directive.
Attending the meeting is mandatory for all employees.
Compulsory
Required or obligatory.
Voting is compulsory in some countries.
Mandatory
Being of utmost importance.
It's mandatory to follow safety protocols.
Compulsory
Demanding adherence or compliance.
The compulsory rules must be followed by all.
Mandatory
Binding or compulsory.
The mandatory guidelines were issued by the government.
Compulsory
Required by law or a rule; obligatory
Compulsory military service
It was compulsory to attend mass
Mandatory
Required by law or mandate; compulsory
Wearing helmets was made mandatory for pedal cyclists
Compulsory
Obligatory; required
A compulsory examination.
Mandatory
Variant spelling of mandatary
Compulsory
Employing or exerting compulsion; coercive.
Mandatory
Required or commanded by authority; obligatory
Attendance at the meeting is mandatory.
Compulsory
An element, such as a dive or school figure, required of all competitors in an athletic competition.
Mandatory
Of, having the nature of, or containing a mandate.
Compulsory
Required; obligatory; mandatory.
The ten-dollar fee was compulsory.
Mandatory
Holding a League of Nations mandate over a territory.
Compulsory
Having the power of compulsion; constraining.
Such compulsory measures are limited.
Mandatory
A mandatary.
Compulsory
Something that is compulsory or required.
Mandatory
Obligatory; required or commanded by authority.
Attendance at a school is usually mandatory for children.
Compulsory
Having the power of compulsion; constraining.
Mandatory
Of, being or relating to a mandate.
Mandatory Palestine
Compulsory
Obligatory; enjoined by authority; necessary; due to compulsion.
This contribution threatening to fall infinitely short of their hopes, they soon made it compulsory.
Mandatory
(disc golf) A sign or line that require the path of the disc to be above, below or to one side of it.
Compulsory
Required by rule;
In most schools physical education are compulsory
Attendance is mandatory
Required reading
Mandatory
A person, organisation or state who receives a mandate; a mandatary.
Compulsory
Imposing an obligation.
Wearing uniforms is compulsory at the academy.
Mandatory
Containing a command; preceptive; directory.
Compulsory
Lacking a choice or option.
The course has a compulsory module on ethics.
Mandatory
Obligatory; compulsory; required by authority.
Mandatory
Not optional; not able to be modified or disregarded; as, seven mandatory clauses in the contract.
Mandatory
Same as Mandatary.
Mandatory
The recipient of a mandate
Mandatory
A territory surrendered by Turkey or Germany after World War I and put under the tutelage of some other European power until they ar able to stand by themselves
Mandatory
Required by rule;
In most schools physical education are compulsory
Attendance is mandatory
Required reading
Mandatory
Enforceable by a mandate or authority.
The mandatory order came into effect today.
Common Curiosities
Can "mandatory" and "compulsory" be used interchangeably?
Often, yes, but context matters. "Mandatory" is more formal and rule-based, while "compulsory" implies coercion.
Is "compulsory education" the same as "mandatory education"?
In many contexts, they can be used interchangeably, but "compulsory" may emphasize enforcement more.
Which is more formal, "mandatory" or "compulsory"?
"Mandatory" is typically seen as more formal, often used in legal or official contexts.
What's the opposite of "mandatory"?
Optional or voluntary.
Can a school subject be "mandatory"?
Yes, if it's required by the curriculum or school's rules.
How does "mandatory" relate to mandates?
"Mandatory" originates from "mandate," which means an authoritative order or command.
Is "compulsory voting" legally required?
In some countries, voting is legally required, making it both compulsory and mandatory.
Are "mandatory" and "compulsory" synonyms?
While they both imply obligation, "mandatory" often relates to a law or rule, whereas "compulsory" suggests enforced obligation.
Can something be "compulsory" but not "mandatory"?
Yes. If something is enforced through social or peer pressure, it might be "compulsory" without being legally "mandatory."
Is wearing a helmet while biking "compulsory"?
In some places, yes, if there's a law enforcing it. In others, it might be "recommended" but not compulsory.
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