Compulsory

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /kəmˈpʌlsəɹi/

Definitions

1. Required by law or a rule; mandatory and not optional
2. Necessitated by a rule or regulation, making it obligatory and unavoidable in a given context
3. Characterized by the necessity imposed by policies or laws, leaving no room for choice or discretion

Etymology: The adjective in question traces back to the Latin verb "compellere," which means "to drive together" or "to urge forcefully." This Latin root itself combines "com-" (a variant of "cum," meaning "with" or "together") and "pellere," meaning "to drive" or "to push." The sense of urging or driving someone to do something underlies the concept of being "compulsory," highlighting an element of force or obligation. The transition from Latin into English likely came through Old French or directly from Medieval Latin, where the past participle "compulsorius" referred to something enforced or mandatory. By the mid-17th century, English had adopted the term, initially used in legal or formal contexts to denote something imposed by law or authority and not optional. Over time, the word broadened beyond legal or official mandates to describe any requirement or necessity that cannot be avoided or escaped. The evolution mirrors the original forceful sense but applies it in various domains, from education to social rules, emphasizing that the action or condition is not merely recommended but required. The suffix "-ory," common in English adjectives, indicates a tendency or relating to, so when attached to the Latin root, it forms an adjective meaning "relating to compelling" or "serving to compel." This linguistic construction solidified the term’s role in English as describing obligations that are binding, underscoring the compelling nature of whatever is described.

Synonyms: mandatory, obligatory, required, enforced, imperative

Antonyms: optional, voluntary, discretionary, unrequired, elective