Cool MateMandate
UK /["/ˈmændeɪt/"]/US /["/ˈmændeɪt/"]/
Definition
the authority to do something, given to a government or other organization by the people who vote for it in an election
In simple words: To officially tell someone they must do something.
Examples
- It is undemocratic to govern an area without an electoral mandate.
- The election victory gave the party a clear mandate to continue its programme of reform.
- a mandate for an end to the civil war
- The party was elected with a mandate to reduce the size of government.
- Troops moved into the country to restore order under a UN mandate.
- The presidential mandate is limited to two terms of four years each.
- The members' vote gave the union a mandate to call a strike.
- They accused him of acting without a mandate.
- The Cook Islands mandate was given to New Zealand.
- The mandate ran until 1947.
Usage notes
Primarily used in legal or political contexts. It's often used when talking about laws, orders, or policies. Avoid in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
mandate + object
Memory hint
Think of 'man-date' — when a man is given a strict order to follow.
Collocations
- popular
- clear
- strong
- have
- give somebody
- issue
- in your mandate
- under a/the mandate
- with a/the mandate
- an extension of a mandate
- a renewal of a mandate
- popular
- clear
- strong
- have
- give somebody
- issue
- in your mandate
- under a/the mandate
- with a/the mandate
- an extension of a mandate
- a renewal of a mandate
- popular
- clear
- strong
- have
- give somebody
- issue
- in your mandate
- under a/the mandate
- with a/the mandate
- an extension of a mandate
- a renewal of a mandate
- popular
- clear
- strong
- have
- give somebody
- issue
- in your mandate
- under a/the mandate
- with a/the mandate
- an extension of a mandate
- a renewal of a mandate
Synonyms
- order
- command
- directive
- requirement
- instruction
Antonyms
- recommend
- allow
- permit
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'recommend' — a mandate is mandatory, not optional.
- Using it in informal conversations, where it sounds too stiff.
- Misunderstanding its meaning as just a suggestion.