DictionaryAI

compulsory

USkuhm-PUL-suh-ree/kəmˈpʌlsəɹi/

Noun pluralcompulsories

3 meanings of compulsory

Practice

  1. 1
    adjective
    Having to be done because a rule or law demands it.

    Like a school rule you are not allowed to skip.

    Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory in this country.

    The school made art classes compulsory for every student.

    Similarmandatory, obligatory, required, binding, requisite

    Oppositeoptional, voluntary, elective, discretionary

    Note
  2. 2
    nouncountable
    Something you must do and cannot choose to skip.

    Like a chore you must finish before you can go play.

    At this school, math is a compulsory, not an option.

    The exam has two compulsories and three sections you can pick.

    Similarrequirement, requisite

    Oppositeelective, optional

    Note
  3. 3
    adjective
    Able to force someone to do something.

    Like a strong push you cannot resist.

    The judge used compulsory powers to make him appear in court.

    A compulsory order forced the family to leave their home.

    Similarcoercive, binding, forcible

    Oppositevoluntary, advisory, permissive

    Note

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Origin

It comes from Latin, from the word "compulsorius," based on "compulsus."