Meaning & Definition
adjective
Required by obligation or necessity; mandatory.
Attending the safety training session is obligatory for all new employees.
Having an obligation or duty.
It is obligatory for the committee members to submit their reports on time.
That which must be done; essential.
In many cultures, it is obligatory to offer guests refreshments.
Etymology
From Latin 'obligatorius', from 'obligare', meaning 'to bind'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
obligatory attendance:
Attendance that is mandatory for participants.
obligatory reading:
Books or materials that must be read according to the curriculum.
obligatory smile:
A smile that is expected in a situation, even if not genuine.
Slang Meanings
A must-do
Going to the meeting was a total must-do for everyone.
Non-negotiable
Bringing snacks to the movie night is non-negotiable.