Is There a Word Compulsorily
The English language is full of unique, complex, and sometimes puzzling words. Some words are familiar and used in everyday conversations, while others raise questions about their authenticity, usage, or even existence. One such word that occasionally sparks curiosity is compulsorily. It sounds formal and may not be as common in speech, leading some people to wonder whether it’s a real word or merely an invented form. To clarify this and gain a deeper understanding of the word, we need to explore its grammatical function, usage in context, and legitimacy in modern English.
Definition and Word Formation
Understanding Compulsorily
Yes, compulsorily is indeed a real word. It functions as an adverb and is derived from the adjective compulsory. Like many adverbs in English, it ends with the suffix -ly, which transforms adjectives into adverbs. In this case, compulsory, meaning something that is required or obligatory, becomes compulsorily, meaning done in a required or mandatory manner.
Structure of the Word
The structure follows a standard English morphological pattern:
- Compel(verb): to force or require
- Compulsory(adjective): required by rule or law
- Compulsorily(adverb): in a way that is required or forced
Usage in Context
Formal and Legal Settings
Compulsorily is often found in formal texts, especially in legal, academic, and governmental documents. For example:
- Vaccinations are compulsorily administered to all children before school enrollment.
- Citizens were compulsorily evacuated from the flood-prone zone.
In these examples, the word clearly means something done by force or legal requirement. The usage emphasizes the non-optional nature of the action being described.
Less Common in Daily Conversation
While the word exists and is legitimate, it is rarely used in informal spoken English. Most native speakers would opt for simpler alternatives such as mandatorily or rephrase sentences altogether. For instance, instead of saying Employees are compulsorily required to attend, people might say, Employees must attend.
Grammatical Role
Adverbial Function
Compulsorily modifies verbs by explaining how something is done. It answers the question how? in relation to an action. For example:
- He was compulsorily retired at the age of 60.
- The property was compulsorily acquired by the government.
In both examples, the adverb describes the manner in which retirement or acquisition occurred.
Comparison with Similar Adverbs
Other adverbs with similar structure and meaning include:
- Mandatorily: in a required manner (used more often in U.S. English)
- Obligatorily: involving an obligation (less commonly used)
- Necessarily: often used more broadly to indicate inevitability
While mandatorily and compulsorily are often interchangeable, compulsorily is more commonly found in legal contexts or British English.
Origin and Etymology
Latin Roots
The word compulsory originates from the Latin verb compellere, meaning to drive together, force, or compel. Over time, English absorbed this root, forming compel, then compulsory, and finally compulsorily. This natural progression reflects the historical tendency of English to form complex words by combining Latin roots with standard suffixes.
Historical Usage
Compulsorily has been part of English vocabulary for several centuries. It appears in various legal and bureaucratic documents dating back to the 19th century and even earlier. Its usage has remained relatively consistent, always associated with obligation and enforcement.
Common Misunderstandings
Is It Redundant?
Some people believe compulsorily is redundant, especially when used alongside other forceful words like required or forced. For example, the phrase compulsorily required might seem repetitive. In clear writing, it’s usually better to choose one word that fully conveys the idea. So, saying required or compulsory alone might suffice.
Is It Obsolete?
Another misunderstanding is that compulsorily is outdated. While it may sound formal or old-fashioned, it is still valid in modern usage, especially in contexts where legal or policy language is used. It is by no means obsolete and continues to be understood and used appropriately today.
Examples in Modern English
Media and Academia
Here are a few real-world examples of how compulsorily is used:
- The university compulsorily closed its campus due to health concerns.
- Under the new regulations, all drivers must be compulsorily insured.
- Compulsorily voting has sparked debates in democratic nations.
These examples show that the word is still actively used in media, education, and policy discussions.
Legal and Administrative Use
In legal language, precision is essential. Compulsorily conveys a specific legal meaning that cannot always be replaced by a simpler term without altering nuance. For instance:
- The land was compulsorily purchased for public development.
- Employees were compulsorily reassigned to new roles.
Here, the use of compulsorily signals that the action was not optional and was executed under specific authority or regulation.
Alternative Phrasing
Simplifying for Clarity
In many cases, using simpler alternatives can improve readability. Here are a few suggestions:
- Instead of He was compulsorily retired, say He was forced to retire.
- Instead of Compulsorily evacuated, use Evacuated by force.
- Instead of Compulsorily required, just use Required.
While compulsorily is grammatically correct, clearer wording may be more appropriate depending on the audience and context.
So, is compulsorily a real word? Absolutely. It is a valid, grammatically correct English adverb used to describe actions that are carried out by force or legal requirement. Though its usage leans toward the formal or legal side, it serves a precise function in language, especially when discussing laws, policies, or mandated actions. While it may not be commonly heard in casual conversation, it holds its place in official documents, academic writing, and professional discourse. As with many formal terms in English, the key is to use it appropriately, understanding both its meaning and the tone it conveys. Whether you’re reading legal text or writing a formal report, knowing how and when to use compulsorily can help you communicate more effectively and precisely.