What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decree
Example
The king issued a decree banning all public gatherings. [decree: noun]
Example
The judge decreed that the defendant must pay a fine. [decreed: past tense verb]
mandate
Example
The government issued a mandate requiring all citizens to wear masks in public. [mandate: noun]
Example
The company mandated that all employees attend a training session. [mandated: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mandate is more commonly used than decree in everyday language, especially in democratic societies where it is often used in legal or regulatory contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decree and mandate?
Both decree and mandate are formal words that are typically used in legal, governmental, or official contexts. However, decree may be perceived as more formal and archaic due to its association with monarchies or authoritarian regimes.
