Obligatory vs. Mandatory — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 1, 2024
Obligatory and mandatory both imply a requirement, but obligatory often connotes something imposed by custom or practice, while mandatory is enforced by law or authority.
Difference Between Obligatory and Mandatory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Obligatory actions are those that are expected due to social, moral, or customary reasons. For instance, wearing a specific attire at a formal event is obligatory; it's more about adherence to social norms than legal requirements.
Mandatory actions, however, are those required by law or rules. For example, wearing seat belts while driving is not just advised; it's legally enforced, reflecting a higher level of compulsion than obligations.
Both terms imply a sense of necessity, but the source of that necessity differs. Obligatory norms often stem from tradition or etiquette, guiding behaviors in social contexts without legal consequences for non-compliance.
Mandatory requirements, on the other hand, carry the weight of legal or authoritative enforcement, making compliance not just expected but legally obligatory, with potential penalties for non-adherence.
The distinction also lies in the realm of consequences. The consequences of not following obligatory practices might include social disapproval or personal guilt, whereas failing to comply with mandatory directives could lead to legal penalties or formal sanctions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Required by custom, social norms, or etiquette
Required by law or regulations
Source of authority
Social expectations, tradition
Legal or official authority
Consequences
Social disapproval, personal guilt
Legal penalties, fines, or other formal sanctions
Examples
Dress code at a wedding, tipping in the US
Paying taxes, obeying traffic laws
Flexibility
Often more flexible, depending on social context and interpretation
Typically inflexible, with specific requirements and penalties
Compare with Definitions
Obligatory
Expected as a traditional norm.
Sending thank you notes after receiving a gift is obligatory.
Mandatory
Required by law or rules; compulsory.
Wearing helmets while riding a motorcycle is mandatory in many states.
Obligatory
Required as a matter of obligation; morally or socially mandatory.
Attending family gatherings is obligatory in many cultures.
Mandatory
Obligatory by decree or command.
Evacuation orders during a hurricane are mandatory.
Obligatory
Imposed as a customary practice.
Wearing black at funerals is obligatory in many societies.
Mandatory
Necessary as per official requirement.
Attendance at these safety trainings is mandatory for all employees.
Obligatory
Necessary according to convention or custom.
Offering condolences in person is obligatory in many communities.
Mandatory
Imposed as a regulation or directive.
Submitting tax returns by April 15 is mandatory for most earners.
Obligatory
Arising from duty or responsibility.
Helping your friends move is considered obligatory.
Mandatory
Enforced as a prerequisite.
Completing a driving test is mandatory to obtain a driver’s license.
Obligatory
Required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory
Use of seat belts in cars is now obligatory
Mandatory
Required or commanded by authority; obligatory
Attendance at the meeting is mandatory.
Obligatory
Of the nature of an obligation; compulsory
Attendance is obligatory. Mathematics is an obligatory course.
Mandatory
Obligatory; required or commanded by authority.
Attendance at a school is usually mandatory for children.
Obligatory
Required as part of a routine course of action or cultural expectation; predictable
"wearing clothing like basketball shoes, baggy pants, and the obligatory baseball cap" (Tyler Stovall).
Mandatory
Obligatory; compulsory; required by authority.
Obligatory
Imposing obligation, legally, morally, or otherwise; binding; mandatory.
An obligatory promise
Mandatory
Not optional; not able to be modified or disregarded; as, seven mandatory clauses in the contract.
Obligatory
Required by obligation or compulsion or convention;
He made all the obligatory apologies
Mandatory
The recipient of a mandate
Common Curiosities
s obligatory the same as mandatory?
No, obligatory refers to requirements based on social, moral, or customary norms, while mandatory refers to legal or official requirements.
Can something be both obligatory and mandatory?
Yes, some actions can be both, especially if they are required by law and also deeply embedded in social practices.
Are there consequences for not following obligatory norms?
Yes, though not legal, consequences usually involve social disapproval or personal guilt.
Are mandatory actions subject to legal penalties?
Yes, failure to comply with mandatory actions can lead to legal penalties or other sanctions.
Can the definition of obligatory vary between cultures?
Yes, what is considered obligatory can vary significantly between different cultural or social contexts.
How does societal change affect what is considered obligatory?
Societal changes can shift perceptions and practices, potentially changing what is considered obligatory over time.
Is wearing a uniform obligatory or mandatory in schools?
It can be either, depending on whether it's enforced by law (mandatory) or school policy and tradition (obligatory).
What makes a rule mandatory?
A rule is made mandatory through legal or official authority, requiring compliance.
Can public opinion turn an obligatory practice into a mandatory one?
Yes, if public opinion strongly supports it, practices can become codified into law, making them mandatory.
Why are some laws considered mandatory?
Laws are considered mandatory to maintain order, protect rights, and ensure public safety, requiring strict compliance.
Is tipping obligatory or mandatory?
Tipping is generally considered obligatory in many cultures due to social norms, not mandatory.
Can employer-imposed rules be considered mandatory?
Yes, if they are formal requirements of the job, failing to comply can have consequences.
Does obligatory imply a choice?
While it implies a strong expectation, there's often more flexibility or choice compared to mandatory requirements.
What role does enforcement play in distinguishing obligatory from mandatory?
Enforcement is key; mandatory requirements have formal enforcement mechanisms, while obligatory norms do not.
Is voting obligatory or mandatory?
In some countries, voting is mandatory by law, while in others, it is seen as a civic obligation but not legally enforced.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
