WordGarden.iocompulsory
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /kəmpˈʌlsərˌi/
US
- /kəmˈpəlsəri/
Meanings
Adjective
required by a rule, law, or authority
Beyond the definition
If something is compulsory, it means you absolutely have to do it—like wearing a seatbelt in a car or attending school when you are a child. It is not optional; rules or laws make it necessary. Think of it as being "forced" by a rule, policy, or law, rather than by personal choice. A compulsory course is one you must take to graduate, even if it isn't your favorite subject.
The word comes from the Latin compellere, meaning "to drive together"—imagine being driven toward something with no choice! You might hear about "compulsory voting" in some countries, where citizens are legally required to participate in elections. It is a strong word that emphasizes obligation and a lack of freedom in decision-making.
Compulsory describes something that is required by law, rules, or authority; it is mandatory and not optional. It implies an obligation that must be fulfilled, often with specific consequences for non-compliance. For example: "School attendance is compulsory for children of certain ages," meaning parents or guardians are legally obligated to ensure their children attend.
The term isn't limited strictly to national laws. Something can be compulsory within a specific environment due to institutional rules or strong social expectations. For instance, a certain dress code might be compulsory at a private school, or a professional certification might be compulsory for a specific career path. While we often use "compelled" to describe an internal feeling of being driven to act, "compulsory" almost always refers to an external requirement. Sometimes there are exemptions, but the default expectation is that you must comply.
You will often encounter "compulsory" when discussing education ("compulsory education"), legal duties ("compulsory arbitration"), or insurance regulations ("compulsory third-party insurance"). It highlights very little choice; you don't get to decide whether to participate, you simply must.
A well-known example is compulsory military service (conscription). While its applications have broadened over time, the core meaning remains: something that is demanded and cannot be avoided. So, if a task is described as compulsory, prepare to fulfill the obligation, whether it is dictated by law, a rule, or a non-negotiable expectation.
Examples
- 1
Education law
In this country, education is compulsory until the age of sixteen.
- 2
Workplace training
Attendance at the first training session is compulsory for all new employees.
- 3
School subjects
English and math are compulsory subjects in the first year.
- 4
Voting law
Some people support compulsory voting, while others see it as unfair.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Safety rules
The government made seat belts compulsory in the back seats as well.
- Patternmake X compulsory
decide by law or rule that everyone must do it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- statutory
- prescribed
- non-optional
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- compulsory education
- compulsory attendance
- compulsory voting
- compulsory purchase
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- compulsoryadjective