What is the Difference Between Mandatory and Compulsory?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between "mandatory" and "compulsory" lies in their connotations and usage. Both words generally refer to something required by a law or rule, but they are not interchangeable in all contexts. Here are the key distinctions:
- Mandatory: This word is derived from the word "mandate," which means to give authority to act or as a noun means an official order. It is the most common of the three words (mandatory, compulsory, and obligatory) and is also the least formal. It is often used to describe something that is required by a mandate, law, or rule, such as mandatory drug testing, mandatory sentencing, and mandatory retirement.
- Compulsory: This word is derived from the word "compel," which means to make something happen. It is less common than "mandatory" and is considered stronger and more formal. It is often used to describe education and military service, such as compulsory military service and compulsory education.
In summary, while both "mandatory" and "compulsory" can mean "required by a law or a rule," "mandatory" is more commonly used and less formal, while "compulsory" is stronger and more formal. However, there are some contexts where they cannot be used interchangeably.
Comparative Table: Mandatory vs Compulsory
The difference between mandatory and compulsory can be summarized as follows:
| Mandatory | Compulsory |
|---|---|
| Mandatory is the most common and least formal of the two terms, often used in contexts such as mandatory testing, mandatory sentencing, and mandatory retirement. | Compulsory is the strongest and most formal of the two terms, suggesting that whatever is being described is required by law or some external rule. It is commonly found in phrases like compulsory military service and compulsory education. |
| Mandatory constraints are used to enforce that a specific column in a table must contain a value, but there is no legal requirement or external rule. | Compulsory rules or requirements are those that are dictated by law or some external authority, and non-compliance can result in legal consequences. |
In summary, mandatory refers to rules or requirements that are typically internally enforced, while compulsory refers to rules or requirements that are enforced by law or an external authority.
- Voluntary vs Compulsory Redundancy
- Obliged vs Obligated
- Should vs Must
- Compulsive vs Impulsive
- Have To vs Must
- Must vs Shall
- Rights vs Obligation
- Obligation vs Duty
- Essential vs Necessary
- May vs Must
- Obligation vs Responsibility
- Complementary vs Complimentary
- Compliance vs Conformity
- Obedience vs Compliance
- Legal vs Lawful
- Need vs Necessity
- Need To vs Have To
- Prerequisite vs Requisite
- Fundamental Rights vs Fundamental Duties