What does obligatorily mean?
Obligatorily is an adverb meaning necessarily and as a matter of requirement. It describes something that must be done because of a law, rule, agreement, contract, or other binding obligation, rather than something that is merely advisable. For example, a document may be obligatorily required before an application can be processed. The word is formal and emphatic, so in everyday communication “must,” “has to,” or “is required to” often sounds more natural. It is also useful for making clear that no personal choice is permitted. Although “obligatorily” and “obligatory” are related, they serve different grammatical functions: the former modifies a verb or an entire clause, while the latter is normally used before a noun, as in “an obligatory identification check.”
adverbIn a way that is necessary or required as a result of a rule, law, agreement, or other obligation. It indicates that something must be done, rather than merely being advisable or possible.
- Necessarily; as a compulsory requirement.
- In a manner dictated by an obligation or rule, without discretion.
"All applicants are obligatorily required to provide proof of identity."
"The form must be signed and obligatorily submitted before the deadline."
"Participants are obligatorily expected to attend the safety briefing."
When a rule is not optional, it is obligatorily in force: the adverb makes the requirement unmistakable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obligatorily come from?
Obligatorily comes from the adjective “obligatory,” which was borrowed from Latin obligatorius, meaning “binding” or “compulsory.” The Latin word was formed from obligare, “to bind or oblige,” from ob- and ligare, “to bind.” The same Latin root produced English forms such as “oblige,” “obligate,” and “obligation,” and cognates appear in other European languages.
Related word forms
How obligatorily is actually used
It is formal and somewhat less common than the simpler 'must' or 'has to'. In ordinary speech, 'must' or 'is required to' is often more natural. It can sound emphatic or bureaucratic, so it is best used when the compulsory nature of a requirement should be stressed.
Easily confused with obligatorily
Obligatorily is the adverb form, describing how an action is done or required, while obligatory is the adjective form, describing something that is required.