Quick vocab Q

[Adari]

Hello everyone,

I need to know if there is a subtle difference in the meaning of the words "mandatory", "obligatory" and "compulsory".

Any answer is much appreciated.

-MF

 

[dysfunction]

I don't think there is...they all mean the same thing.
They are just synonyms

 

[Dark Orb Choir]

as i see it the only differences are in the situations in which the words are to be used.

eg.

compulsory - the athlete scored more in the compulsory exercises that the other competitors

obligatory - i stayed in the pub for the obligatory pint as he said he had had a bad day at work

mandatory - i completed my mandatory training today, everyone has to do it apparently

hope that helps.

 

[dysfunction]

you could quite easily use any of those words in the sentences...although sometimes one "sounds" better certain cases.

Like the Beer one...obligatory seems to always be used here but you could use the others. Its just accepted when you use obligatory most people would know you are not having your pint forced down you.

 

[old.Tohtori]

Mandatory has a command implied, must do.
Obligatory is a required action, but not as forced.
Compulsory, is an action forced by outer influence.

Basically the same, with levels of serious in them.

Mandatory, compulsory and obligatory.

In beer terms;

"The bar has a mandatory beer to be consumed."
"I was having an obligatory beer."
"My friend offered me a compulsory beer."

Also easy to compare them to these terms;

Obligation.
Mandate.
Compulsion.

But this is from a Finnish guy so

 

[dysfunction]

Mandatory Definition:

1. authoritatively ordered; obligatory; compulsory: It is mandatory that all students take two years of math

obligation Definition
1. required as a matter of obligation; mandatory: A reply is desirable but not obligatory.

Compulsory Definition
1. required; mandatory; obligatory: compulsory education

 

[pez]

I would say Obligatory is the weakest. ie. I was obliged to help out but I'm a cnut so I didn't.

Where as compulsory strikes me as if you want to do this or that you must first do this, its compulsory.

Where as Mandatory seems the strongest, 'It is mandatory, you must do this.

 

[Chilly]

Mandatory is a mandate imposed upon you.
Obligation is something you take upon yourself.
Compulsory: dunno

 

[Trem]

Mandatory is a mandate imposed upon you.
Obligation is something you take upon yourself.
Compulsory: dunno

Compulsory is something you must do, an order as such but I agree with your other explanations, explained in the best way so far imo.

The others are just bloody foreigners

 

[sayward]

Oh my word. I'm impressed.

 

[Trem]

Oh my word. I'm impressed.

Easy there girl, next you will be asking what I'm wearing.

 

[SawTooTH]

Compulsory is something you can generally ignore.

For instance , attendence at a meeting is compulsory means find an excuse not to be there.

Obligatory means that the other person generally owes you money so so need to see them to get it back

Mandatory is what heterosexual women do when looking for a partner.

 

[Trem]

Compulsory is something you can generally ignore.

I disagree, for example -

Compulsory basic training (CBT) was introduced in 1990 to help reduce the very high accident rate among inexperienced motorcyclists. CBT must be completed before a learner moped or motorcycle rider is allowed to ride on the road with L-plates or D-plates in Wales

 

[dysfunction]

Mandatory is a mandate imposed upon you.
Obligation is something you take upon yourself.
Compulsory: dunno

Mandatory yes thats true.

No thats not true at all.

You can be placed under obligation by others not only yourself and that obligation can be imposed by law, promise, or contract. Which is very much like a mandate.

 

[old.Tohtori]

You're compelled to do a compulsory act.
You're obligated to do an onblication.

Compulsion can come from personal, requirement or from someone else, but compulsory isn't a mandatory thing. Just means, that the next step isn't available.