What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commandment
Example
One of the Ten Commandments is 'Thou shalt not steal.' [commandment: noun]
Example
She believes in living her life according to the commandments of her faith. [commandments: plural noun]
mandate
Example
The government issued a mandate for all citizens to wear masks in public places. [mandate: noun]
Example
He was mandated to complete the project by the end of the week. [mandated: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mandate is more commonly used than commandment in everyday language. Mandate is a term that is frequently employed in legal, official, and even political contexts, while commandment is primarily used in religious or moral discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commandment and mandate?
Both commandment and mandate can be used in formal or official contexts. However, mandate is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal settings, while commandment is typically associated with religious or moral discussions and may have a more formal tone.
