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mandate

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "mandate": A mandate is an official order or a clear command given by an authority that must be followed. Think

What does "mandate" mean?

A mandate is an official order or a clear command given by an authority that must be followed. Think of it as a firm directive that carries the weight of law or duty, often stemming from a powerful source like a government, a contract, or a collective vote. Use this word in professional, legal, or political contexts to describe instructions that are non-negotiable. It is frequently used in collocations like "a government mandate" or "a mandate to act," implying that someone has been given specific permission or a requirement to carry out a task.

"mandate" in conversation

Office policy meeting

The board has issued a new mandate requiring all staff to work from the office three days a week.

The board has issued a new mandate requiring all staff to work from the office three days a week.

Is there any room for negotiation on that?

Is there any room for negotiation on that?

Shows the use of 'mandate' to describe a top-down policy.

Political discussion

The election results show that the new leader has a clear mandate for change.

The election results show that the new leader has a clear mandate for change.

I agree, the voters certainly made their expectations known.

I agree, the voters certainly made their expectations known.

Shows 'mandate' used in the sense of public authority.

"mandate" in a sentence

  1. The school issued a mandate that all students must wear uniforms.

    The school issued a mandate that all students must wear uniforms.

  2. The new law acts as a mandate for companies to reduce their carbon emissions.

    The new law acts as a mandate for companies to reduce their carbon emissions.

  3. The committee was granted a broad mandate to investigate the causes of the system failure.

    The committee was granted a broad mandate to investigate the causes of the system failure.

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