Vocabulary in context
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Obligation
A duty or commitment; something you are bound to do, whether by law, contract, or moral principle.
nounđź’ˇ
Imagine This
Imagine a person wearing an invisible, heavy chain labeled 'Obligation' that pulls them toward doing what is required—paying taxes, keeping a promise, or fulfilling a contract.
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Sounds Like
ob-li-GAY-shən
đź‘€
Looks Like
Rooted in the verb 'oblige' (to bind); visually resembles other duty-related terms like 'obligation' and related legal vocabulary.
đź“ť
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.
đź“š
Other Forms
obligationsnoun
obligatoryadjective
obligateverb
obligatedadjective
obligatingverb
đź”—
Connect With
duty, responsibility, commitment, contract, debt, legal obligation, moral duty
đź“Ś
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).
đź§
Study Deeper
Examples
- Citizens have an obligation to follow the laws of their country.
- The company has several financial obligations, including debt payments and employee salaries.
Synonyms
dutyresponsibilitycommitmentdebtliability
Antonyms
volitionoptionalfreedom
Etymology
From Latin obligatio, from obligare 'to bind' (ob- 'to' + ligare 'to bind'), forming a noun for a binding commitment.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: OB-LI-GA-TION -> think 'binding you to an action'—an obligation is a binding duty that requires you to act.
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Levity
nounHumor or frivolity, especially in situations where seriousness is appropriate; a lightness of mood.
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).
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