Mandatory vs. Obligatory: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Mandatory" implies a requirement enforced by law or rules, while "obligatory" refers to something expected or customary, often due to social or moral norms.
Key Differences
Mandatory is a term often used in legal and regulatory contexts, signifying a requirement that must be complied with. In contrast, obligatory refers to a duty or responsibility that is expected, often due to social or moral customs, rather than legal enforcement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
The use of mandatory typically implies that there are consequences for non-compliance, such as legal penalties or sanctions. Obligatory, however, suggests a moral or ethical duty, where non-compliance might lead to social disapproval rather than legal repercussions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Mandatory is derived from the word 'mandate', indicating an authoritative command or instruction. Obligatory, on the other hand, stems from 'obligation', which suggests a binding commitment or duty.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
In practice, something mandatory is non-negotiable and must be followed or adhered to. Conversely, something obligatory may offer more flexibility, adhering to it is based more on ethical or social expectations than on strict rules.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Examples of mandatory requirements include legal statutes or organizational policies, whereas obligatory actions might include cultural customs or etiquette, which are less formally enforced but broadly expected.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Origin of Term
Derived from "mandate", implying a formal command.
Comes from "obligation", suggesting a moral duty.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Enforcement
Enforced by law or rules, with potential penalties.
Expected due to social, cultural, or moral reasons.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Flexibility
Typically non-negotiable and strict.
Often allows for some degree of flexibility.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Consequences
Non-compliance leads to legal or formal repercussions.
May result in social disapproval or guilt.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Usage Contexts
Common in legal, regulatory, or organizational settings.
Often seen in social, cultural, or ethical contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Mandatory and Obligatory Definitions
Mandatory
Obligatory, necessitated by regulations.
Wearing helmets is mandatory for motorcyclists.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Obligatory
Routinely expected in certain situations.
In academic writing, citing sources is obligatory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Mandatory
Involving an imperative.
Attendance at these meetings is mandatory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Mandatory
Commanded by authority.
The mandatory evacuation order was issued before the hurricane.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Obligatory
Imposed as a rule, but not legally enforceable.
In many cultures, respecting elders is obligatory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Obligatory
Morally or ethically expected.
Apologizing after making a mistake is obligatory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Mandatory
Essential, indispensable.
It is mandatory to have a passport for international travel.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Obligatory
Customarily required.
At formal dinners, wearing a suit is obligatory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Mandatory
Required or commanded by authority; obligatory
Attendance at the meeting is mandatory.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Obligatory
Of the nature of an obligation; compulsory
Attendance is obligatory. Mathematics is an obligatory course.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Obligatory
Required as part of a routine course of action or cultural expectation; predictable
"wearing clothing like basketball shoes, baggy pants, and the obligatory baseball cap" (Tyler Stovall).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Obligatory
Imposing obligation, legally, morally, or otherwise; binding; mandatory.
An obligatory promise
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mandatory
Obligatory; required or commanded by authority.
Attendance at a school is usually mandatory for children.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Obligatory
Binding in law or conscience; imposing duty or obligation; requiring performance or forbearance of some act; - often followed by on or upon; as, obedience is obligatory on a soldier.
As long as the law is obligatory, so long our obedience is due.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mandatory
(disc golf) A sign or line that require the path of the disc to be above, below or to one side of it.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Obligatory
Morally or legally constraining or binding;
Attendance is obligatory
An obligatory contribution
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mandatory
A person, organisation or state who receives a mandate; a mandatary.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Obligatory
Required by obligation or compulsion or convention;
He made all the obligatory apologies
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mandatory
Not optional; not able to be modified or disregarded; as, seven mandatory clauses in the contract.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Mandatory
Required by rule;
In most schools physical education are compulsory
Attendance is mandatory
Required reading
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is mandatory always legal in nature?
Yes, mandatory often relates to legal requirements.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is obligatory linked to personal ethics?
Yes, it often relates to moral or ethical duties.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can something be both mandatory and obligatory?
Yes, some actions can be both legally required and morally expected.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are mandatory actions always important?
Yes, they are important due to their enforced nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can obligatory involve legal consequences?
No, obligatory usually involves social or moral expectations, not legal ones.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is mandatory compliance always enforced?
Yes, non-compliance with mandatory rules often results in penalties.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are mandatory rules the same in all countries?
No, they vary depending on each country's laws.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can obligatory actions be legally enforced?
No, they are enforced more by social consensus than law.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are obligatory actions always universally accepted?
No, they can vary based on cultural or social norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is ignorance of mandatory rules excusable?
No, ignorance of law is not usually a valid excuse.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is obligatory related to social etiquette?
Yes, it often involves customary social practices.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can mandatory requirements change?
Yes, they can change with revisions in laws or policies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Does obligatory imply a choice?
Yes, there is often a degree of personal choice in obligatory actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can organizations set mandatory policies?
Yes, organizations can have their own mandatory rules.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can mandatory rules be challenged?
Yes, through legal or organizational processes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Does obligatory vary with cultural context?
Yes, what is obligatory can differ across cultures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is there an appeal process for mandatory decisions?
Yes, in many cases, especially in legal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is non-compliance with mandatory rules always penalized?
Generally, yes, though penalties vary.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are obligatory practices universally known?
No, they may differ and are learned through social interaction.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can obligatory norms evolve over time?
Yes, they can change with shifts in societal values and norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
