English pronunciation · Words Starting with M
Mandatory Pronunciation
Mandatory is pronounced MAN-duh-taw-ree, IPA /ˈmændəˌtɔri/.
MAN-duh-taw-ree
US /ˈmændəˌtɔri/ · UK /ˈmændətəˌri/
Syllables: MAN · duh · taw · ree (4 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
adjective: Required by a rule or a law rather than left to choice.
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Mandatory in a Sentence
- Helmets are mandatory on this stretch of road.
- Attendance at the briefing is mandatory for new staff.
- The court imposed a mandatory minimum sentence.
Common Mispronunciations of Mandatory
Not man-DAY-tuh-ree
Mandate keeps a long ay, but the longer adjective pulls the beat onto MAN and squashes the second syllable into duh.
Not MAN-duh-tree
Four syllables in the careful form. The taw before the ree is easy to skip and worth keeping in formal speech.
Tip: British speakers often reduce it to MAN-duh-tree, which is why the word can sound shorter on one side of the Atlantic.
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