Reading Theme:
Compulsory: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：required by law (compulsory)
compulsory
/kəmˈpʌlsəri/
adj.
Required by law or a rule, you have to do it.
required by law
➕
/rɪˈkwaɪəd baɪ lɔː/
adj.
Describes something that must be done because it is mandated by a law, rule, or official authority.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'compellere' (to drive together, force). Root: com- (together) + puls (drive, push).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a PULSe driving you to COMplete something. It's com-PULS-ory.
📖 Example
In China, registering your newborn's name with the local authorities is compulsory for all parents.
This sentence describes a legal obligation for parents.
🔗 Collocations
compulsory education – schooling that is required by law for children
compulsory purchase – the enforced buying of property by an authority
compulsory measure – an action that is officially required
🔄 Synonyms
mandatory (adj.) – required by law or rules; obligatory.
obligatory (adj.) – required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory.
required (adj.) – officially compulsory or needed.
🚫 Antonyms
voluntary (adj.) – done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
optional (adj.) – available to be chosen but not obligatory.
discretionary (adj.) – available for use at the discretion of the user; not obligatory.
🌱 Derivatives
compulsion (n.) – the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint.
compulsorily (adv.) – in a way that is required by law or a rule; obligatorily.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin via legal and administrative English. It's a core term in describing legal mandates, from compulsory education laws to public health measures, reflecting societal rules.
Meaning 2：required subject (compulsory)
compulsory
/kəmˈpʌlsəri/
adj.
A subject you must take to graduate.
required subject
➕
/rɪˈkwaɪəd ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/
adj.
Refers specifically to a subject or course of study that students are obligated to take as part of their curriculum to fulfill graduation requirements.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Physical education is a compulsory subject for all students in our school to promote a healthy lifestyle.
This sentence states that PE is a mandatory course for graduation.
🔗 Collocations
compulsory subject – a course that must be taken by students
core curriculum – the central, often compulsory, subjects in an educational program
compulsory module – a required unit of study within a larger course
🔄 Synonyms
mandatory (adj.) – required by a rule or curriculum; not optional.
obligatory (adj.) – constituting or relating to an obligation, especially a course requirement.
required (adj.) – stipulated as necessary to be taken or completed.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
compulsorily (adv.) – in a manner that is required as part of a program.
Wordbook
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