Standard Lemma guide

obligatorily

adv · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adv

Meaning 1

In an obligatory manner.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: necessarily; mandatorily; imperatively; (sometimes) by nature

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: obligately, necessarily, mandatorily, imperatively, by nature

Antonyms: none provided

2

adverb

Meaning 2

in a manner that cannot be evaded

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the ministry considers that contributions to such a fund should be met from voluntary donations rather than from rates compulsorily levied.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: compulsorily, mandatorily

Antonyms: none provided

3

adverb

Meaning 3

in an obligatory manner

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • this rule applies obligatorily

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: optionally

History

Etymology

Etymology tree English obligatory Middle English -ly English -ly English obligatorily From obligatory + -ly.