υποχρεωτικός
Wordform Details
Translation: mandatorycompulsoryobligatory
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: υποχρεωτικός
Translation: mandatory; compulsory; obligatory; required (adjective)
Etymology: From ancient Greek υπό (hypo, 'under') + χρεία (chreia, 'need, use') + -τικός (-tikos, adjectival suffix). The root χρεία is related to χρή (chre, 'it is necessary'), which connects to English 'chrematistics' (the art of wealth-getting). The prefix υπό suggests being 'under' an obligation or necessity. This compound structure makes it literally mean 'under necessity' or 'subject to requirement'.
Mnemonics
- Think 'hypo-' (under) + 'chronic' (time-related) - you're under a time constraint to do something
- Remember 'obligation' starts with 'o' like 'υπο-'
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in educational, legal, and administrative contexts in Greece. Common in discussions about school curriculum, military service, insurance, and government requirements.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: υποχρεωτικός means something is mandatory/required, while υπεύθυνος means responsible/accountable
Notes: Both start with υπο- but have completely different meanings and usage contexts
Mnemonic: υποχρεωτικός has 'χρε' (need/necessity) - it's about what you NEED to do; υπεύθυνος has 'ευθ' (straight/direct) - it's about being answerable