Dutiful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• The character of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s play embodies the struggle between duty and personal desire, illustrating the weight of being dutiful.
• In many classic novels, protagonists display dutiful behavior towards family or community, often leading to conflict or resolution.
• Authors frequently portray dutiful characters as morally upright, reinforcing societal values of responsibility and reliability.

Psychology

• Dutiful behavior is often linked to personality traits like conscientiousness, which is essential for maintaining social order.
• People who exhibit strong dutifulness may experience stress when their personal desires conflict with their obligations.
• Research shows that a sense of duty can enhance one's self-esteem, as fulfilling responsibilities is seen as a positive achievement.

Pop Culture

• The character Spider-Man is famously known for his sense of duty, highlighted by his motto: 'With great power comes great responsibility.'
• In many superhero films, the hero's dutiful nature often drives the plot, illustrating the tension between duty and personal desires.
• Films like 'Dead Poets Society' showcase characters struggling with societal expectations of duty versus individual passions.

History

• In ancient societies, duty was often linked to one's role within the family and society, with honor and respect depending on fulfilling those roles.
• Throughout history, soldiers have been praised for their dutifulness, often depicted in art and literature as heroic figures upholding their obligations.
• The concept of duty has evolved over time, with modern interpretations emphasizing both personal responsibility and social roles.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Old French 'deu', meaning 'due' or 'owed', highlighting a sense of obligation.
• In the 14th century, 'deot' referred to a moral or legal duty, which eventually evolved into 'dutiful' by the end of the 16th century.
• The suffix '-ful' implies 'full of' or 'having the qualities of', emphasizing a strong adherence to responsibilities.

The word 'dutiful' originates from the late Middle English period, deriving from the noun 'duty.' The concept of duty is rooted in the Old French 'devoir,' which means 'to owe,' and is based on the Latin 'debere,' meaning 'to owe, to be obligated.' Initially, the term was closely linked to moral and legal responsibilities of individuals towards others. Over time, 'dutiful' evolved into an adjective to describe a person who is conscious of their responsibilities and acts accordingly, reminiscent of the feudal obligations of loyalty and service that characterized early societal structures. The word has retained its essence through the centuries, symbolizing not just obligation, but a moral commitment to fulfilling one's roles in various aspects of life.

With rank #18,852, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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