Obligation vs. Obligatory

Attribute	Obligation	Obligatory
Definition	A duty or commitment to fulfill a certain requirement or expectation.	Required or necessary as a result of a rule, law, or agreement.
Origin	Latin "obligatio" meaning a binding promise or agreement.	Latin "obligatorius" meaning binding or constraining.
Legal Consequences	Failure to fulfill an obligation may result in legal action or penalties.	Non-compliance with something obligatory may lead to legal consequences.
Voluntariness	Obligations can be voluntarily assumed or imposed by external factors.	Obligatory actions are typically mandatory and not subject to personal choice.
Flexibility	Obligations can vary in terms of their scope, duration, and nature.	Obligatory actions are usually fixed and inflexible in terms of compliance.

Definition

Obligation and obligatory are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Obligation refers to a duty or commitment that one is bound to fulfill, either morally or legally. It implies a sense of responsibility or necessity to do something. On the other hand, obligatory specifically refers to something that is required or mandated by a rule, law, or custom. It suggests that there is a formal requirement or expectation to perform a certain action.

Usage

When it comes to usage, obligation is a more general term that can encompass a wide range of responsibilities. It can refer to personal obligations, such as taking care of family members or fulfilling promises, as well as professional obligations, like meeting deadlines or following company policies. Obligatory, on the other hand, is typically used in a more formal or official context. It is often associated with religious or legal requirements, such as attending church services or paying taxes.

Implications

The implications of obligation and obligatory also differ slightly. Obligation carries a sense of personal choice or moral duty. While one may feel obligated to do something, there is often a degree of flexibility or discretion in how it is carried out. Obligatory, on the other hand, implies a stricter adherence to a set of rules or norms. It suggests that there is little room for negotiation or deviation from the prescribed course of action.

Consequences

Failure to fulfill an obligation can have various consequences, depending on the nature of the obligation. It may result in disappointment or resentment from others, as well as feelings of guilt or regret. In some cases, there may be legal repercussions for not meeting certain obligations. On the other hand, failing to meet an obligatory requirement can have more serious consequences, such as fines, penalties, or even imprisonment. The stakes are often higher when it comes to obligatory actions.

Flexibility

One key difference between obligation and obligatory is the level of flexibility they allow. Obligation tends to be more flexible, as it is based on personal values or commitments. Individuals may have some leeway in how they fulfill their obligations, depending on the circumstances. Obligatory, on the other hand, is typically rigid and inflexible. It leaves little room for interpretation or negotiation, as it is based on external rules or requirements.

Examples

To better understand the distinction between obligation and obligatory, consider the following examples. A parent may feel obligated to attend their child's school play out of love and support. This obligation is based on personal values and relationships. On the other hand, a student may have an obligatory requirement to submit a term paper by a certain deadline. This requirement is set by the school's rules and policies, leaving little room for negotiation.