com ‧ pul ‧ so ‧ ry /kəmˈpʌls ə ri/ BrE AmE adjective
something that is compulsory must be done because it is the law or because someone in authority orders you to ⇨ voluntary :
the threat of compulsory redundancies
compulsory schooling/education
11 years of compulsory education
Car insurance is compulsory.
—compulsorily adverb
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THESAURUS
▪ compulsory if something is compulsory, you must do it because of a rule or law:
Maths and English are compulsory for all students.
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Compulsory education was introduced in 1870.
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Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory.
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It is now compulsory for anyone claiming state benefit to register with a job centre.
▪ obligatory [not usually before noun] if something is obligatory, you must do it because of a rule or law. Obligatory is more formal than compulsory :
It is now obligatory for all competitors to wear face protectors.
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Evening dress is usual, but not obligatory.
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Military service is obligatory for all men between 18 and 27.
▪ mandatory if something is mandatory, you must do it because it is the law. Mandatory is more formal than compulsory and sounds stronger:
Drug smuggling carries a mandatory death sentence.
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In some countries, wearing helmets is mandatory for all cyclists.
■ not compulsory
▪ optional if something is optional, you can choose whether to do it or not:
You don’t have to do French – it’s optional.
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The holiday price includes optional excursions such as an evening cruise on the lake.
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General Studies is optional for sixth-form students.
▪ voluntary done because you want to do it and not because you have to – used especially about things that you do because you think they will help other people or be useful:
The programme is entirely voluntary, and no one will be forced to join.
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The charity is funded by voluntary donations.