Word

mandate

noun C1

/ˈmændeɪ̯t/

Meanings

noun

An official order or instruction that must be followed.

noun

The authority or support to act, especially given by voters or an organization.

verb

To officially order or require something.

Definition

A mandate is an official order or authority to do something.

A mandate is a formal instruction or command given by an authority, such as a court, government, or organization. It can also mean the official power or permission to act, often given through an election or agreement. In both cases, it implies clear authority and an expectation that it will be carried out.

Examples

The committee issued a mandate to standardize reporting across all departments.
After the election, she claimed a strong mandate to reform the public transport system.
The judge gave the agency a clear mandate to release the records promptly.
In response to repeated incidents, the company decided to mandate additional training for all supervisors.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse mandate with recommend and use it for advice, but a mandate is an official requirement, not a suggestion.