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Obligatory for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: ə'blɪɡə,toʊri

What does Obligatory really mean?

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Obligatory is a word we use to describe something that we have to do, like a task or a responsibility that is required or expected of us. It's like when your parents tell you that it's obligatory to brush your teeth every day to keep them healthy and shiny. They mean that it's really important and necessary for you to do it, because it's a duty or an obligation.

So, when something is obligatory, it means you have to do it, and you can't really choose whether or not you want to. Like, imagine you have a big test at school coming up, and your teacher says, "It is obligatory for you to study and prepare for the test." That means you can't skip studying or just ignore the test because it's something you have to do. It's like a rule or a requirement that you must follow.

Another way to understand "obligatory" is by thinking about it as a promise we make to ourselves or to others. We all make promises sometimes, right? Like when you promise your friend that you'll share your snacks with them during lunch. Well, "obligatory" is kind of like a promise, but not really one that we choose to make. It's more like a promise that we have to fulfill because it's expected of us.

Let's say you have a little brother or sister and your parents tell you, "It's obligatory for you to look after them when we're not around." In this case, it means you have to take care of your sibling. It's your duty to make sure they are safe, fed, and happy. You may not have chosen to be the babysitter, but because you are their sibling, you have this obligatory responsibility.

Now, it's important to note that "obligatory" can also be used to describe things that are required by a law or a rule. For example, when you are driving a car, it's obligatory to wear your seatbelt. You can't just decide not to because it's written in the law, and it's for our safety. So, in that case, wearing a seatbelt is obligatory because it's something we must do to follow the rules and protect ourselves on the road.

To sum it all up, "obligatory" means something that you have to do, like a responsibility, duty, or requirement, whether it's because of a promise we make, a rule we must follow, or simply because it's expected of us. It's like having a task or a job that we can't avoid or skip. It's about fulfilling our obligations and doing what we should do.


Revised and Fact checked by Robert Taylor on 2023-10-28 00:39:16

Obligatory In a sentece

Learn how to use Obligatory inside a sentece

  • It is obligatory to wear a seatbelt when riding in a car.
  • In school, it is obligatory to complete your homework on time.
  • When entering a movie theater, it is obligatory to buy a ticket.
  • During an exam, it is obligatory to follow the instructions given by the teacher.
  • When visiting a library, it is obligatory to keep the volume low and not disturb others.

Obligatory Antonyms

Words that have the opposite context of the original word.

optional

Obligatory Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.

bounden compulsory de rigueur imposed incumbent on indispensable mandatory necessary prerequisite required