Due Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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due

[djuː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a legal context

owed or owing as a debt

Synonyms

outstanding, owed, unpaid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
due

Used when something is deserved or expected as a result of something else.

  • She received a promotion due to her hard work.
  • The delay was due to heavy traffic.
owed

Used to convey that a certain amount of money or something else is due to be paid to someone; works well in both personal and business contexts.

  • He still owed me $50 from last week.
  • The company owed a significant amount in taxes.
outstanding

Used to describe something that has not been paid, resolved, or dealt with yet, often in financial contexts.

  • The company has several outstanding invoices.
  • There are still some outstanding issues we need to address.
unpaid

Used to indicate that something, usually a bill or debt, has not been paid. Often has a negative connotation, suggesting neglect or oversight.

  • She received a notice for her unpaid bills.
  • Unpaid interns often gain valuable experience.

Examples of usage

  • The rent was due on the first of the month.
  • Payment is due within 30 days.
Context #2 | Adverb

informal context

expected or planned to happen at a particular time

Synonyms

expected, planned, scheduled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
due

Use 'due' when indicating something that is required at a specific time, often in a formal or official context. It can refer to a deadline or payment.

  • The assignment is due next Friday.
  • Your payment is due by the end of this month.
expected

Use 'expected' when referring to something that is anticipated to happen based on certain conditions or information. It often conveys a sense of prediction.

  • The guests are expected to arrive around 7 PM.
  • Rain is expected later this afternoon.
planned

Use 'planned' when talking about something that has been organized or arranged in advance. It often implies intention and preparation.

  • We have a planned meeting tomorrow morning.
  • The family has a planned vacation next month.
scheduled

Use 'scheduled' in contexts where something has been officially arranged to occur at a specific time. This term is commonly used in professional and formal settings.

  • The flight is scheduled to depart at 10 AM.
  • The conference is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Examples of usage

  • The project is due to be completed by Friday.
  • The report presentation is due tomorrow.
Context #3 | Noun

in a financial context

the amount of money that is owed or payable

Synonyms

debt, obligation, payment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
due

Indicates what is owed or payable, often in terms of money or gratitude.

  • She received her due share of the profits.
  • Please make sure the bill is paid when it is due.
payment

The act of paying money that is owed. Can be a single transaction or a series of installments.

  • I need to make the monthly payment on my car loan.
  • The final payment is due at the end of the month.
debt

Refers to money owed to someone or an institution. Often has a negative connotation, implying a financial burden.

  • He is struggling to pay off his student debt.
  • They fell into debt after losing their jobs.
obligation

A duty or commitment. Can refer to moral, legal, or financial duties.

  • Parents have an obligation to care for their children.
  • She has a moral obligation to tell the truth.

Examples of usage

  • He paid the full amount due.
  • The due date for the invoice is next week.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Usage in Finance

  • In finance, 'due' often refers to payments owed, like rent or loans that need to be paid on specific dates.
  • Bills marked 'due' indicate the necessity to pay them to avoid penalties, emphasizing financial responsibility.
  • In personal finance, understanding due dates helps in managing budgets and avoiding late fees.

Cultural References

  • In some cultures, the concept of 'due' dates for tasks reflects the importance of punctuality and responsibility.
  • Many celebrations or events have 'due' preparations, such as holiday shopping that ramps up as the due date approaches.
  • Literature often uses the term to signify the completion or arrival of significant events, instilling a sense of urgency.

Philosophy and Ethics

  • 'Due' raises questions of moral obligation, such as what individuals owe to each other in society.
  • The concept is central in discussions about justice, where what is 'due' to a person can vary based on context.
  • Ethical theories often explore the implications of fulfilling what is 'due' to others as a measure of character.

Science and Nature

  • 'Due' can relate to phenomena in nature, such as dew, which appears due to temperature changes at night.
  • In environmental science, due dates can apply to reports or actions needed to mitigate climate change impacts.
  • Understanding seasonal changes is crucial when discussing due times for natural events, such as migrations or blooms.

Origin of 'due'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'due' comes from the Latin 'debere', meaning 'to owe'.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled as 'due' or 'deu', showing its evolution in language.
  • The word has been used since the 14th century to represent obligations or debts.

The word 'due' originated from the Latin word 'debet', meaning 'it is owed'. Over time, it evolved to 'due' in Middle English, retaining its original meaning of something owed or payable. The legal and financial connotations of the word have been consistent throughout its history, reflecting obligations and responsibilities. Today, 'due' is commonly used in various contexts to indicate something expected or owed.


See also: duty, overdue, subdue, undue, unduly.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #251, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.