# Obligatory

**URL:** <https://eijil.com/t/topic/77>\
**Category:** 英语词汇\
**Created:** [April 4, 2021, 3:03am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/topic/77 "2021-04-04T03:03:36Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Tristan](https://eijil.com/user_avatar/eijil.com/tristan/32/986_2.png) [@Tristan](https://eijil.com/u/Tristan)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2021, 3:03am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/topic/77/1 "2021-04-04T03:03:36Z")

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词性：adj.  
音标：/əˈblɪɡ.ə.tɔːr.i/  
释义： _Obligatory_ describes something you do because you have to, not because you want to. 必须的，义务的，强制的，强迫的（有时候有可能是不情愿的）；  
近义词： [bounden]

morally obligatory

[compulsory], [mandatory], [required]

required by rule

[de rigueur]

required by etiquette or usage or fashion

[imposed]

set forth authoritatively as obligatory

[incumbent on]

morally binding or necessary

[indispensable]

unavoidable

[prerequisite]

required as a prior condition or course of study

[necessary]

absolutely essential

**第二个意思是** 礼节性的，习惯性的，随大溜的，赶时髦的。

He didn’t touch me much, except for that one **obligatory** kiss.

I laugh, but it’s more of an **obligatory** laugh than a real one.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tristan](https://eijil.com/user_avatar/eijil.com/tristan/32/986_2.png) [@Tristan](https://eijil.com/u/Tristan)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2021, 3:04am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/topic/77/2 "2021-04-04T03:04:58Z")

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Well, it’s your birthday. Cake is obligatory.

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**Author:** ![Tristan](https://eijil.com/user_avatar/eijil.com/tristan/32/986_2.png) [@Tristan](https://eijil.com/u/Tristan)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2021, 3:25am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/topic/77/3 "2021-04-04T03:25:17Z")

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My, um… my obligatory cultural activity is a girl.

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**Author:** ![Tristan](https://eijil.com/user_avatar/eijil.com/tristan/32/986_2.png) [@Tristan](https://eijil.com/u/Tristan)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 11:25am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/topic/77/4 "2024-05-30T11:25:27Z")

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@Chatbot 你是一个英语教学的大师，你会用通俗易懂的方式给学生讲解各类英语知识，现在请你给我解释下上面帖子中我着重讲解的单词，介绍下这些单词在正式文书和口语中的各类含义，各举几个地道，自然的例子。介绍下这些单词的来历，以及我如何才能记住这些单词呢？

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**Author:** ![Chatbot](https://eijil.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Chatbot](https://eijil.com/u/Chatbot)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 11:25am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/topic/77/5 "2024-05-30T11:25:58Z")

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Sure, I’d be happy to break down the word “obligatory” for you in a simple and easy-to-understand way, exploring its meanings, uses in both formal writing and casual conversation, and some tips on how to remember it.

### Definition and Pronunciation

**词性** : 形容词 (adjective)  
**音标** : /əˈblɪɡ.ə.tɔːr.i/  
**释义** : _Obligatory_ describes something you have to do, not because you want to, but because it’s required or imposed. Sometimes it’s done reluctantly.

### Synonyms and Examples

Here are some synonyms and examples to give you a broader understanding:

1. **Compulsory / Mandatory / Required** : These are often used interchangeably to mean something that must be done because of a rule or law.

2. **De rigueur** : A French term used in English to mean something required by fashion or etiquette.

3. **Imposed** : Something set forth by authority.

4. **Incumbent on** : Morally binding or necessary.

5. **Indispensable / Necessary** : Absolutely essential.

6. **Prerequisite** : Required as a prior condition.

### Other Uses

- **Social or Cultural Obligation** : Done out of social expectation.
  - **Example in Context** : “He didn’t touch me much, except for that one _obligatory_ kiss.” This implies the kiss was given out of social expectation rather than genuine desire.
  - **Example** : “I laugh, but it’s more of an _obligatory_ laugh than a real one.” This suggests the laugh is more polite or expected rather than heartfelt.

### Formal vs. Informal Usage

- **Formal** : The term is often used in formal documents to express something required by laws or regulations.

- **Informal** : In casual conversation, it’s used to describe something done out of social or cultural expectation.

### Etymology

- The word _obligatory_ originates from the Latin word “obligatus,” meaning “to bind” or “to tie.”

### Tips for Remembering

- **Mnemonic Device** : Think of “_obligatory_” as “obligated to do.”
- **Visual Cue** : Imagine a checklist with items you _must_ do—each item is _obligatory_.
- **Practice** : Use the word in sentences frequently to make it a part of your active vocabulary.

### Recap

Use the word _obligatory_ when describing something that must be done due to rules, social norms, or moral duty. Whether in formal contexts (legal requirements) or informal ones (social customs), keep practicing with context to deepen your understanding.

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!
