Meaning & Definition of word "Mandate"

Mandate

/ˈmæn.deɪt/

1. An official order or commission to do something.
- Example: The government issued a mandate requiring all citizens to wear masks in public places.
2. The authority granted by a constituent to act as its representative.
- Example: The president’s mandate from the electorate allowed him to implement significant reforms.
3. A command or instruction, often from a higher authority.
- Example: The school board's mandate was to improve educational standards across all schools in the district.

1. To give someone the authority to act in a certain way or to carry out a specific task.
- Example: The committee was mandated to investigate the allegations of misconduct.
2. To make something mandatory; to impose a requirement.
- Example: The regulations mandate that all businesses must provide equal opportunities to all employees.

From Latin 'mandatum', meaning 'something commanded, an order'.

unfunded mandate:

A mandate that requires action but does not provide funding.

mandate of heaven:

A political theory in Chinese philosophy that justifies rule as being divinely ordained.

backed by mandate:

Supported by an official order or authorization.

command:

An order given by someone in authority.

authority:

The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

policy:

A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by an organization.

Meaning: A strong recommendation or suggestion.

Example Sentence: The trainer gave us a mandate to stick to our diets.

Meaning: A requirement that feels like an imposition.

Example Sentence: The new dress code felt more like a mandate than a suggestion.