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obligatory

adjective/əˈblɪɡətɔri/

definition

required by a legal or moral obligation

example

In many countries, it is obligatory for all drivers to have car insurance to ensure financial protection in case of an accident.

synonyms
mandatorycompulsoryrequired
word origin — from Latin 'obligatorius', from 'obligare' meaning 'to bind'

obligatory, whimsical, expeditious, conclusive, malignant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 61. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. obligatory · adjective/əˈblɪɡətɔri/

    required by a legal or moral obligation

    In many countries, it is obligatory for all drivers to have car insurance to ensure financial protection in case of an accident.

    Synonyms: mandatory, compulsory, required

    Origin: from Latin 'obligatorius', from 'obligare' meaning 'to bind'

  2. whimsical · adjective/ˈwɪmzɪkəl/

    playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way

    The whimsical decorations at the fair included colorful banners and playful characters that delighted the children.

    Synonyms: fanciful, capricious, playful

    Origin: The word 'whimsical' originates from 'whimsy,' which is derived from the word 'whim' meaning a capricious or fanciful idea, and traces back to the early 18th century.

  3. expeditious · adjective/ˌɛkspəˈdɪʃəs/

    done with speed and efficiency

    The team completed the project in an expeditious manner, impressing the client with their speed and efficiency.

    Synonyms: swift, speedy, prompt

    Origin: from Latin 'expeditio', meaning 'a going out', derived from 'expeditus', meaning 'unimpeded, swift'

  4. conclusive · adjective/kənˈkluːsɪv/

    serving to prove a case or to put an end to doubt

    The scientists presented conclusive evidence that linked the rise in species extinction to climate change.

    Synonyms: decisive, definitive, final

    Origin: from Latin 'conclusivus', from 'concludere' meaning 'to conclude or finish'.

  5. malignant · adjective/məˈlɪɡ.nənt/

    having the quality of being harmful or causing injury

    The doctors discovered a malignant tumor that posed a serious threat to the patient's health.

    Synonyms: malevolent, harmful, sinister

    Origin: from Middle French 'malin', from Latin 'malignantem', present participle of 'malignare', which means 'to speak evil of'.