English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: Silence is mandatory for meditation to be effective. Target word: mandatory

Introduction / Context:“Mandatory” is often used in institutional or procedural contexts to signal that something is required by rule or essential for success. In the sentence, silence is presented as a non-negotiable condition for effective meditation, which tells us the word must mean “required,” not merely “suggested.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target adjective: mandatory.
• Context: condition for effective meditation.
• We require exactly one closest synonym.

Concept / Approach:

Among common near-synonyms, “compulsory” best matches “mandatory” because both indicate an obligation that must be fulfilled. Words like “optional,” “voluntary,” “advisable,” and “recommended” all indicate choice or guidance, not obligation. Even “necessary/required/needed” are good paraphrases, but the test demands exactly one selection; “compulsory” is the canonical one-word counterpart.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Define mandatory: legally/organizationally required; not optional.2) Examine each candidate for obligation vs choice.3) “Compulsory” uniquely conveys an enforced requirement.4) Reject advisory or voluntary terms.5) Confirm the sentence still reads naturally with the chosen synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:

Substitute: “Silence is compulsory for meditation to be effective.” The statement remains fully coherent and preserves the force of obligation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

optional: Explicitly the opposite of mandatory.voluntary: Chosen freely; not mandatory.advisable: Suggested; weaker than required.recommended: Guidance, not obligation.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming “mandatory” merely means “important.” Importance is about value; “mandatory” is about obligation and rules.

Final Answer:

compulsory