Meaning & Definition
noun
An official order or commission to do something.
The government issued a mandate requiring all citizens to wear masks in public places.
The authority granted by a constituent to act as its representative.
The president’s mandate from the electorate allowed him to implement significant reforms.
A command or instruction, often from a higher authority.
The school board's mandate was to improve educational standards across all schools in the district.
verb
To give someone the authority to act in a certain way or to carry out a specific task.
The committee was mandated to investigate the allegations of misconduct.
To make something mandatory; to impose a requirement.
The regulations mandate that all businesses must provide equal opportunities to all employees.
Etymology
From Latin 'mandatum', meaning 'something commanded, an order'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Slang Meanings
A strong recommendation or suggestion.
The trainer gave us a mandate to stick to our diets.
A requirement that feels like an imposition.
The new dress code felt more like a mandate than a suggestion.