Mandatory vs Compulsory
Mandatory and compulsory are two words that are often confused when it comes to their meanings and connotations, when strictly speaking, there is some difference between the two words. The word mandatory is generally used in the sense of ‘binding.’ On the other hand, the word compulsory is generally used in the sense of ‘essential.’ This is the main difference between the two words. However, you will see that almost all the dictionaries put mandatory and compulsory as synonyms though we say they have this difference. In that case, we have to regard when each term is used. Let us find out more about each term.
What does Mandatory mean?
Mandatory means binding. It is important to note that anything that is mandatory has the quality of binding the doer to the work. On the other hand, the word mandatory often refers to conditions. Let us focus on the sentences given below.
It is mandatory to fill up all the details in the application form.
It is mandatory to mention the annual income of the parent.
In both the sentences given above, the word mandatory is used in the sense of ‘binding’ and something that is conditional. Hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘the application form can be submitted under the condition that all the details are filled up by the applicant.’ The meaning of the second sentence would be ‘the applicant is bound by the details regarding the annual income of his parent.’
There is another important fact that we can understand by looking at these examples. If you take another look at both of the examples given above, you will see that they are both sentences that speak about some kind of legal matter. In the first sentence, we are speaking about an application form. In the second sentence also the speaker must be speaking about some kind of application. We do not ask for someone’s parent’s annual income in general conversation. That is something we come across if we are filling an application for bursary or a scholarship, etc. So, both situations in the examples refer to incidents where we come to face legal situations. That shows that mandatory is a word used in the legal context.
‘It is mandatory to fill up all the details’
What does Compulsory mean?
On the other hand, compulsory means essential. Anything that is compulsory has to be essentially done without postponement. The word compulsory often refers to things or requirements. Observe the two sentences given below.
80% of attendance is compulsory for the students to take the examination.
Wearing uniform is compulsory.
In both the sentences, the word compulsory is used in the sense of ‘essential.’ The meaning of the first sentence would be ‘80% of attendance is essential for the students to take the examination.’ The meaning of the second sentence would be ‘wearing uniform is essential.’
Let us see why we have used the word compulsory in these examples. If you look at these examples, you will see that the first example refers to the field of education. We are talking about the attendance of students in that particular example. In the second example too, we may be talking about a school education or may be a work uniform as the firemen or the policemen wear. Thus, it becomes clear to use that the word compulsory is used in the context of fields such as education, employment, or business.
‘Wearing uniform is compulsory’
What is the difference between Mandatory and Compulsory?
• Meaning:
• The word mandatory is generally used in the sense of ‘binding.’
• On the other hand, the word compulsory is generally used in the sense of ‘essential.’
• Nature:
• Anything that is mandatory has the quality of binding the doer to the work.
• Anything that is compulsory has to be essentially done without postponement.
• Reference:
• The word mandatory often refers to conditions.
• The word compulsory often refers to things or requirements.
• Context:
• The word compulsory is often used in the fields of education, business, and employment.
• The word mandatory is often used in the field of law.
These are the differences between the two words mandatory and compulsory. So, next time you come across these two words consider the context and use each word appropriately.
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