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mandate

MAN-dayt /ˈmændeɪt/

nounverbB2SATTOEFLGREIELTS

formal

An official authorization or authority granted by a governing body or electorate to carry out a policy.

Implies strong backing and popular legitimacy to execute specific political initiatives.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'mandatum' (command, commission), derived from 'manus' (hand) + 'care' (to give). It literally meant placing a solemn duty into someone's hands.

Word relationships

authorization: 'Authorization' is general permission, whereas 'mandate' stresses popular legitimacy conferred by an election.
directive: A 'directive' is an order from a superior, while a 'mandate' comes from the electorate or governing charter.

prohibition: An official command or law that forbids a specific action.

Commonly confused with

mandatory: 'Mandatory' is an adjective meaning required by rule, whereas 'mandate' can be a noun meaning political authority or a verb meaning to order.

Word family

mandatory (adjective): Required by law or rules; compulsory.
mandated (adjective): Officially required or authorized.

Collocations

clear mandate
popular mandate
receive a mandate
mandate reform

Idioms & expressions

electoral mandate

Example sentences

"Winning 75% of the student vote gave the new council a clear mandate to reform campus housing." Post-election address
"The newly elected student president claimed a strong mandate to negotiate lower tuition rates." University policy document

Memory hook

HAND (manus) over an official order to a leader to DATE (mandate) their duties. Power handed over by voters.

When not to use

Do not use to describe mere casual suggestions or informal advice.

Fun facts

In international law after WWI, 'League of Nations Mandates' gave countries official legal authority to govern territories temporarily!