compulsory

Everyday

Compulsory means something must be done because a rule or law says so; you have no choice. tree →

In the lessons

In school some subjects, school uniform or attendance are compulsory; in sport, wearing a helmet may be compulsory. In everyday life and safety, wearing a seat belt is compulsory by law in cars. Opposite: optional or voluntary. Phrases: compulsory subject, compulsory education, it is compulsory to.

Examples

• English and maths are compulsory subjects. tree →
• Wearing a seat belt is compulsory in a car. tree →
• School is compulsory for children in many countries. tree →
• Helmets are compulsory at the skate park. tree →
• The trip is not compulsory; you can choose to stay. tree →
• It is compulsory to wear goggles in the lab. tree →

Note

Not comparable (no «more compulsory» usually). Opposite: optional, voluntary. Similar: required, obligatory, mandatory. Spelling: com-PUL-sor-y, ending in «-ory».