obligatory
UK: əˈblɪɡət(ə)ri | US: əˈblɪɡətɔːri
adj. required by a legal, moral, or other rule; mandatory
adj. expected or customary due to convention or circumstance
obligatory = obligat<bind> + ory<adjective suffix>
- obligat (from Latin obligatus, past participle of obligare "to bind, commit")
- ob- (toward) + ligare (to bind) → "to bind by duty or promise."
- ory (adjective-forming suffix from Latin -orius, indicating "relating to or serving for")
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin obligare, combining ob- (intensifying "toward") and ligare (to tie). It originally described being bound by law or duty, later expanding to societal expectations. The suffix -ory transforms it into an adjective, preserving the core idea of binding necessity.
Wearing a seatbelt is obligatory in most countries.
The course includes obligatory attendance at weekly seminars.
His obligatory apology lacked sincerity.
She gave the obligatory speech at the ceremony.
Checking passports is obligatory at international borders.