Obligatories

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Requirements or duties that are considered essential or compulsory in a particular context; customary or habitual actions that are expected or mandated; elements or tasks that must be fulfilled without exception
2. Mandatory tasks or actions regarded as necessary; routine behaviors or practices that are traditionally observed; responsibilities or items that are deemed unavoidable or indispensable
3. Essential obligations or commitments that must be performed; conventional or routine duties that are generally imposed or anticipated; non-optional components or activities required by rule or custom

Etymology: "Obligatories" is the plural of "obligatory," which in turn comes from Latin "obligatorius," from "obligare," meaning "to bind" or "to bind over." The Latin verb combines "ob-," "toward" or "over," with "ligare," "to tie" or "to bind," so the original image is of something tied fast to a person. English took the adjective in the 17th century, and it carried the sense of binding by law or contract, which is still visible in phrases like "an obligatory oath." The noun use, meaning the required tasks or duties themselves, is a later development. Here the sense has shifted from the abstract state of being bound to a concrete list of things one must do. The plural form, "obligatories," treats these required items as separate, countable duties, much like the "musts" or "requirements" of a job or course.

Synonyms: mandatory things, requirements, necessities, duties, compulsories

Antonyms: optionals, voluntaries, nonobligatories, discretionaries