Compulsory vs. Compulsorily: What's the Difference?
By Janet White & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 22, 2024
Compulsory is an adjective describing something that must be done or is required by law, while compulsorily is an adverb describing the manner in which something is done by necessity or mandate.
Key Differences
Compulsory is an adjective used to describe actions, rules, or requirements that are mandated or enforced by an authority. For example, "Attendance at the meeting is compulsory" means that attendance is required and not optional. Compulsorily, on the other hand, is an adverb that describes how an action is carried out in a manner that is mandatory or enforced. For instance, "Students were compulsorily evacuated from the building" indicates that the evacuation was carried out by necessity or mandate.
When using compulsory, the focus is on the state or quality of being required. For example, "Wearing helmets is compulsory for all cyclists." This indicates that there is a rule or law making helmet use mandatory. Conversely, compulsorily emphasizes the manner in which an action is performed. For example, "The government compulsorily acquired the land for public use." Here, compulsorily indicates that the acquisition was done in a mandatory way, enforced by law or regulation.
Compulsory is commonly used to describe laws, regulations, or rules that require certain actions or behaviors. It is often seen in contexts like education, safety, and legal requirements. Compulsorily is less commonly used but important in contexts where the manner of enforcement is stressed. It highlights the obligatory nature of the action being described, often in legal or formal scenarios.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb
Definition
Required by law or rule
In a manner that is required
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Usage
Describes something that must be done
Describes how something is done by necessity
Example Sentence
Attendance is compulsory.
The land was compulsorily acquired.
Context
Rules, laws, requirements
Actions carried out under compulsion
Compulsory and Compulsorily Definitions
Compulsory
Mandatory; necessary to comply with.
Wearing a seatbelt in a car is compulsory.
Compulsorily
By necessity or mandate.
The company compulsorily implemented the new safety measures.
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Compulsory
Required by law or a rule; obligatory.
Attendance at the seminar is compulsory for all employees.
Compulsorily
Enforced or mandated action.
Taxes were compulsorily deducted from their salaries.
Compulsory
Describes something that must be done.
It is compulsory to submit the form by the deadline.
Compulsorily
Under compulsion; not optional.
The residents were compulsorily relocated due to the construction project.
Compulsory
Enforced by an authority.
Vaccinations are compulsory for school enrollment.
Compulsorily
In a manner that is required by law or rule.
The workers were compulsorily retired at the age of 65.
Compulsory
Indicates a requirement or mandate.
Compulsory education laws require children to attend school.
Compulsorily
Describes how an action is carried out due to obligation.
The students were compulsorily evacuated during the fire drill.
Compulsory
Obligatory; required
A compulsory examination.
Compulsorily
Obligatory; required
A compulsory examination.
Compulsory
Employing or exerting compulsion; coercive.
Compulsorily
Employing or exerting compulsion; coercive.
Compulsory
An element, such as a dive or school figure, required of all competitors in an athletic competition.
Compulsorily
An element, such as a dive or school figure, required of all competitors in an athletic competition.
Compulsory
Required; obligatory; mandatory.
The ten-dollar fee was compulsory.
Compulsorily
In a compulsory manner.
Soldiers were drafted compulsorily.
Compulsory
Having the power of compulsion; constraining.
Such compulsory measures are limited.
Compulsorily
In a compulsory manner; by force or constraint.
Compulsory
Something that is compulsory or required.
Compulsorily
In a manner that cannot be evaded;
The ministry considers that contributions to such a fund should be met from voluntary donations rather than from rates compulsorily levied.
Compulsory
Having the power of compulsion; constraining.
Compulsory
Obligatory; enjoined by authority; necessary; due to compulsion.
This contribution threatening to fall infinitely short of their hopes, they soon made it compulsory.
Compulsory
Required by rule;
In most schools physical education are compulsory
Attendance is mandatory
Required reading
FAQs
What does compulsory mean?
Compulsory means required by law or a rule; obligatory.
What does compulsorily mean?
Compulsorily means in a manner that is required by law or rule.
Can compulsory describe laws?
Yes, compulsory can describe laws or rules that mandate certain actions.
Does compulsory indicate a choice?
No, compulsory indicates that something is mandatory and not optional.
Can compulsorily describe actions?
Yes, compulsorily describes actions carried out under compulsion or obligation.
How is compulsorily used in a sentence?
"The property was compulsorily seized by the government."
Is compulsorily commonly used in legal contexts?
Yes, compulsorily is often used in legal contexts to describe how actions are enforced.
Is compulsory an adjective?
Yes, compulsory is an adjective.
Is compulsorily an adverb?
Yes, compulsorily is an adverb.
Can compulsory apply to safety regulations?
Yes, for example, "Wearing helmets is compulsory in the construction site."
Can compulsorily be used for how something is done?
Yes, for example, "Employees were compulsorily retrained for the new system."
Can compulsorily describe employment actions?
Yes, for example, "Workers were compulsorily laid off."
How is compulsory used in a sentence?
"Attendance is compulsory for all students."
Is compulsory commonly used in legal contexts?
Yes, compulsory is often used in legal and regulatory contexts.
Does compulsory have a positive connotation?
It is neutral, simply indicating something is required.
Does compulsorily have a positive connotation?
It is neutral, describing the manner of enforcement.
Can compulsory describe education?
Yes, for example, "Compulsory education lasts until age 16."
Can compulsory be used for activities?
Yes, for example, "Physical education classes are compulsory."
Does compulsorily indicate a choice?
No, compulsorily indicates that something is done by necessity or mandate.
Can compulsorily apply to government actions?
Yes, for example, "The government compulsorily acquired the land."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
