compulsory
Meaning: Required by law, rule, or regulation; not optional. In education, describing subjects or activities that all students must complete.
In the UK, compulsory education runs from age five to eighteen (though students may choose between school, college, or an apprenticeship from sixteen). 'Compulsory' is the opposite of 'elective' or 'voluntary.' Common collocations include 'compulsory education,' 'compulsory purchase' (when the government forces the sale of private property), and 'compulsory redundancy.' The word implies that failure to comply carries consequences.
Examples
- English, maths, and science are compulsory subjects throughout secondary school. 英语、数学和科学是中学阶段的必修科目。Inglés, matemáticas y ciencias son asignaturas obligatorias durante toda la educación secundaria.英語、数学、理科は中等教育を通じて必修科目です。영어, 수학, 과학은 중등교육 전 과정에서 필수 과목이다.
- Wearing a seatbelt has been compulsory in the UK since 1983. 自1983年以来,在英国系安全带一直是强制性的。Llevar el cinturón de seguridad es obligatorio en el Reino Unido desde 1983.英国では1983年以来、シートベルトの着用が義務付けられています。영국에서는 1983년부터 안전벨트 착용이 의무화되어 있다.
- The council used compulsory purchase powers to acquire the land needed for the new road. 市议会行使了强制购买权以获取新公路所需的土地。El ayuntamiento recurrió a sus poderes de expropiación forzosa para adquirir el terreno necesario para la nueva carretera.市議会は新道路に必要な土地を取得するために強制収用権を行使しました。시의회는 새 도로 건설에 필요한 토지를 확보하기 위해 강제 수용권을 행사했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Medieval Latin compulsorius (using compulsion), from Latin compellere (to drive together, to force), combining com- (together) and pellere (to drive). Entered English in the 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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