Compulsory Course: Definition and Usage

Meaning 1：required subject (Compulsory course)

Compulsory course 🔊

/kəmˈpʌlsəri kɔːrs/

n. phrase

A course or subject that all students are required to take and pass as part of their academic program.

Compulsory course written on blackboard in classroom

required subject 🔊

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/rɪˈkwaɪərd ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/

n. phrase

A course that all students are required to take and complete as part of their program of study.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Compulsory from Latin 'compellere' (to compel); course from Latin 'cursus' (a running, race).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'compulsory' = 'com' (together) + 'puls' (push) - you're pushed together to take this course.

📖 Example

At my art school, Business for Artists is a compulsory course because knowing how to market your work is as important as creating it. 🔊 At my art school, Business for Artists is a compulsory course because knowing how to market your work is as important as creating it.

🔗 Collocations

compulsory course requirement – a requirement that all students must complete a particular course

enroll in a compulsory course – to register for a mandatory class

pass a compulsory course – to successfully complete a required subject

🔄 Synonyms

required course (n. phrase) – A course that is mandatory for students.

mandatory subject (n. phrase) – A subject that all students must take.

🚫 Antonyms

optional course (n. phrase) – A course that students may choose to take or not.

🌱 Derivatives

compulsorily (adv.) – in a way that is required or enforced.

📖 Cultural Story

In modern education, compulsory courses are mandated by institutions to ensure all students acquire a broad base of knowledge, such as core curriculum requirements.