obligatory

Everyday

1. (formal) Obligatory means something you must do because a rule or law says so; it is not a free choice. tree →
2. (humorous) Obligatory can describe something that always happens and is expected, as in «the obligatory selfie». tree →

In the lessons

A stiff word of rules and exams: «Attendance is obligatory». In school and sport, wearing a uniform or helmet may be obligatory. In everyday talk it can be playful: «the obligatory family photo». Phrases: «obligatory for all pupils», «it is obligatory to», «the obligatory».

Examples

• Wearing a seatbelt is obligatory in the car. tree →
• Swimming lessons are obligatory for every pupil. tree →
• School uniform is obligatory, the rules said. tree →
• Helmets are obligatory on the climbing wall. tree →
• Then came the obligatory photo with Grandma. (humorous) tree →
• The trip is not obligatory; you can choose. tree →

Note

Formal word; in everyday talk «compulsory» or «you have to». Opposite: «optional» or «voluntary». Related: «obligation», «obliged». Stress: o-BLIG-a-tory.