Obligation
A duty or commitment; something you are bound to do, whether by law, contract, or moral principle.
nounObligation
A duty or commitment; something you are bound to do, whether by law, contract, or moral principle.
nounImagine This
Imagine a person wearing an invisible, heavy chain labeled 'Obligation' that pulls them toward doing what is requiredβpaying taxes, keeping a promise, or fulfilling a contract.
Sounds Like
ob-li-GAY-shΙn
Looks Like
Rooted in the verb 'oblige' (to bind); visually resembles other duty-related terms like 'obligation' and related legal vocabulary.
Remember This
Obligation can be legal (defined by a contract) or moral (a duty you feel). The noun form contrasts with voluntary or optional actions.
Other Forms
Connect With
duty, responsibility, commitment, contract, debt, legal obligation, moral duty
Note
Common collocations include 'obligation to do something,' 'financial obligations,' and 'moral obligation.' Distinguish from the verbs 'oblige' (to bind or help) and 'obligate' (to impose a obligation).
Study Deeper
- Citizens have an obligation to follow the laws of their country.
- The company has several financial obligations, including debt payments and employee salaries.
From Latin obligatio, from obligare 'to bind' (ob- 'to' + ligare 'to bind'), forming a noun for a binding commitment.
Mnemonic: OB-LI-GA-TION -> think 'binding you to an action'βan obligation is a binding duty that requires you to act.
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Levity
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Balm
nounA fragrant ointment or preparation used to soothe or heal; something that provides comfort or consolation.
Widespread
adjectiveWidely distributed or occurring over a large area; common throughout a region or population.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).