compulsory — required by law or a rule; obligatory
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: required by law or a rule; obligatory
Pronunciation (IPA): /kəmˈpʌlsəri/
Example Sentences
- My gym teacher made push-ups compulsory, but I think he just enjoys watching us suffer.
- Vaccination became compulsory for all healthcare workers during the pandemic.
- The wedding planner said crying at weddings should be compulsory - it makes better photos!
compulsory
ADJECTIVE[/kəmˈpʌlsəri/]
required by law or a rule; obligatory
Every student must wear the compulsory uniform before entering school.
COM(completely) + PULS(push) + ORY(state) — a compulsory meeting means the boss is completely pushing you through the door, leaving you no choice.
Thinking the tie was just an optional accessory, he gave it a cursory glance, but the angry principal shouted it was absolutely compulsory.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'compulsus' (past participle of 'compellere' meaning 'to drive together, force') combined with the suffix '-ory' (indicating a quality or relation). The word entered English in the late 15th century through Medieval Latin and Old French.
Breakdown
com- (together) + pellere (to drive/force) + -ory (adjective suffix indicating 'of the nature of') = compulsory (required by force or obligation)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My gym teacher made push-ups compulsory, but I think he just enjoys watching us suffer.”
“Vaccination became compulsory for all healthcare workers during the pandemic.”
“The wedding planner said crying at weddings should be compulsory - it makes better photos!”
“English is a compulsory subject in most Korean high schools.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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