mandate
/ˈmændeɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmændeɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈman-ˌdāt/ (ame, mw) · /ˈmæn.deɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmæn.deɪt/ (ame, ipa)
mandate — noun
1. the power that voters grant to their elected government or party through an elec
the power that voters grant to their elected government or party through an election, enabling it to pursue particular actions or policies
After the election, the new government claimed a clear mandate to reform the tax system.
collocation: clear mandate / claim a mandate
Abigail believed the mayor had no mandate to sell public parks without a referendum.
mandate + to-infinitive for authority
The ruling party lost its mandate after failing to deliver promised education reforms.
Zuri argued that the result gave the council a strong mandate for reducing carbon emissions.
Mira's vote gave the government a mandate to improve national healthcare.
- authority
broader term; mandate specifically implies electoral endorsement
- endorsement
focuses on the approval aspect rather than the power to act
- commission
more formal and task-specific; less about democratic process
- veto
a rejection of authority rather than a grant of it
文法句型
mandate to + infinitive
mandate for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently paired with verbs like 'claim', 'have', 'give', 'receive', 'lose'. The source of the mandate is typically voters or the electorate, though this is often implied rather than stated.
常見錯誤
2. a territory that one country is appointed to administer on behalf of an internat
a territory that one country is appointed to administer on behalf of an international body such as the United Nations, typically set up after a conflict has ended
After World War I, Palestine was governed as a British mandate until 1948.
historical: governed as a mandate
Liang studied how Germany's former African colonies became League of Nations mandates.
collocation: League of Nations mandate
The UN mandate system eventually led most territories toward full independence.
South West Africa remained a mandate long after other territories gained self-rule.
- trust territory
the later UN term that replaced 'mandate' after World War II
- protectorate
a broader historical term for a region under another state's protection
文法句型
[country] + mandate
mandate over + region
用法筆記
Primarily appears in historical or political-science contexts referring to the League of Nations (1920–1946) or early UN periods. Not used for modern territorial administration.
mandate — verb
1. to give formal permission for an action, policy, or programme to happen, typical
to give formal permission for an action, policy, or programme to happen, typically through an official decision or law
The government mandated a nationwide vaccination programme for everyone over sixty-five.
mandate + noun phrase: authorise a programme
Heloísa was mandated by the board to lead the new diversity initiative.
passive: be mandated + to-infinitive
The new regulations mandate that every public building install wheelchair-accessible entrances.
Lien's team was mandated to develop a cheaper solar panel for rural villages.
- forbid
to officially refuse permission for something
文法句型
mandate + noun phrase
be mandated + to-infinitive
mandate + that-clause
用法筆記
Often used in passive voice ('be mandated'). The subject is typically a governing body — government, board, council, court, or regulatory agency. Distinguish from verb sense 2: this sense permits or authorises, whereas sense 2 compels or requires.
常見錯誤
2. to order that something must be done, especially through an official rule, law,
to order that something must be done, especially through an official rule, law, or court decision that people are obliged to follow
Federal law now mandates that all new cars include automatic braking systems.
mandate + that-clause for legal requirement
The court mandated the company to pay two million dollars to the affected community.
mandate + object + to-infinitive
Vivek's school mandated that all students complete at least forty hours of community service.
The city council mandated mask-wearing in all indoor public areas during the outbreak.
- prohibit
to officially forbid something by law or rule
文法句型
mandate + that-clause
mandate + object + to-infinitive
be mandated + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Stronger than 'authorise': this sense compels action rather than merely permitting it. The pattern 'mandate that + subject + verb (subjunctive)' is common in formal American legal English. In British English, 'mandate that + subject + should + verb' is also found.