Required vs. Mandatory — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 10, 2023
"Required" refers to something that is deemed necessary or obligatory, while "Mandatory" indicates a rule or law that must be followed. Both imply necessity but often in different contexts.
Difference Between Required and Mandatory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Required" is commonly used to indicate that something is necessary or essential in a given context. "Mandatory," however, often carries a stronger tone, implying a legal or regulatory obligation that must be followed.
In an educational setting, a "required" course is one you have to take as part of your curriculum. On the other hand, "mandatory" attendance means there's a rule that you must be present, often under the penalty of a grade reduction or legal action.
In a work environment, "required" skills are those you need to perform your job properly. "Mandatory" training usually refers to sessions you are legally obligated to attend, such as safety protocols seminars.
When talking about laws and rules, "mandatory" is often used to indicate a non-negotiable requirement backed by law. "Required," while still important, might not have the same level of legal weight and could imply an obligation more open to interpretation or flexibility.
Comparison Chart
Tone
Generally softer
Stronger, often legalistic
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Context
Education, work, general
Often legal or regulatory
Penalties
May be flexible
Often strict or legally binding
Interpretation
More open
Less open, usually clear-cut
Common Phrases
"Required reading", "required skills"
"Mandatory meeting", "mandatory sentencing"
Compare with Definitions
Required
Required can refer to prerequisites.
This course is required before taking advanced calculus.
Mandatory
Mandatory means legally required.
Voting is mandatory in some countries.
Required
Required indicates something obligatory but not necessarily enforced by law.
Attendance is required at weekly meetings.
Mandatory
Mandatory implies an obligatory action enforced by authority.
Mandatory evacuation was ordered due to the hurricane.
Required
Required means necessary for a particular purpose.
A password is required to access the account.
Mandatory
Mandatory carries a sense of compulsion.
Mandatory training is scheduled for all new hires.
Required
Required may signify a minimum standard.
A high school diploma is required for this job.
Mandatory
Mandatory suggests a rule that must be obeyed.
Mandatory masking is in place in the hospital.
Required
Required implies something essential for completeness.
All required documents must be submitted for review.
Mandatory
Required by law or mandate; compulsory
Wearing helmets was made mandatory for pedal cyclists
Required
Needed; essential
Missing several required parts.
Mandatory
Variant spelling of mandatary
Required
Obligatory
Required reading.
Mandatory
Required or commanded by authority; obligatory
Attendance at the meeting is mandatory.
Required
Simple past tense and past participle of require
Mandatory
Of, having the nature of, or containing a mandate.
Required
Necessary; obligatory; mandatory.
Mandatory
Holding a League of Nations mandate over a territory.
Required
Necessary for relief or supply;
Provided them with all things needful
Mandatory
A mandatary.
Required
Required by rule;
In most schools physical education are compulsory
Attendance is mandatory
Required reading
Mandatory
Obligatory; required or commanded by authority.
Attendance at a school is usually mandatory for children.
Mandatory
Of, being or relating to a mandate.
Mandatory Palestine
Mandatory
(disc golf) A sign or line that require the path of the disc to be above, below or to one side of it.
Mandatory
A person, organisation or state who receives a mandate; a mandatary.
Mandatory
Containing a command; preceptive; directory.
Mandatory
Obligatory; compulsory; required by authority.
Mandatory
Not optional; not able to be modified or disregarded; as, seven mandatory clauses in the contract.
Mandatory
Same as Mandatary.
Mandatory
The recipient of a mandate
Mandatory
A territory surrendered by Turkey or Germany after World War I and put under the tutelage of some other European power until they ar able to stand by themselves
Mandatory
Required by rule;
In most schools physical education are compulsory
Attendance is mandatory
Required reading
Mandatory
Mandatory indicates non-negotiable terms.
The course has a mandatory final exam.
Common Curiosities
What does Required mean?
Required refers to something that is necessary or obligatory.
Is something Required always Mandatory?
No, something may be required but not legally mandatory.
What does Mandatory mean?
Mandatory indicates a rule or law that must be followed.
Is something Mandatory always Required?
Yes, if something is mandatory, it is inherently required.
Is Mandatory always legally binding?
Often, but context can vary its intensity.
Is Required used in laws?
It can be, but "mandatory" is more common for legal requirements.
Can both words be used in education?
Yes, like "required courses" and "mandatory attendance."
Which word has a stronger tone?
Mandatory often has a stronger, more legalistic tone.
Is Required more flexible?
Required may be more open to interpretation or flexibility.
How do they differ in a work context?
Required skills are needed, mandatory training is legally obliged.
What's a synonym for Required?
Necessary, obligatory.
Do both imply necessity?
Yes, both imply that something is necessary.
What's a synonym for Mandatory?
Compulsory, obligatory.
Can you give an example using Mandatory?
Attendance is mandatory at the safety briefing.
Can you give an example using Required?
A cover letter is required when applying for a job.
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Written 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.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
