Obligation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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obligation
[ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃən ]
Definitions
legal
An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.
Synonyms
commitment, duty, responsibility.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obligation |
When referring to a requirement or expectation imposed by law, rule, contract, or agreement.
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| duty |
When highlighting a moral, legal, or official responsibility that one is expected to fulfill.
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| responsibility |
When talking about being in charge of something or someone, implying a sense of accountability.
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| commitment |
When discussing a promise or firm decision to do something, often emotional or voluntary in nature.
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Examples of usage
- He has a legal obligation to pay his taxes on time.
- It is our obligation to help those in need.
social
Something that someone feels they have to do because of a law, rule, promise, etc.
Synonyms
compulsion, constraint, requirement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obligation |
Typically used in formal or legal contexts where there is a duty or promise that someone must fulfill.
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| requirement |
Often used to describe a necessary condition or criteria that must be met, especially in formal or official contexts, such as job applications or regulations.
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| compulsion |
Often used in situations where someone feels forced to do something, either due to internal or external pressures, and usually carries a negative connotation.
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| constraint |
Used to describe limitations or restrictions that prevent someone from acting freely, often used in project management, planning, and similar areas.
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Examples of usage
- She felt an obligation to attend her friend's wedding.
- There is a social obligation to be polite to guests.
business
A promise, agreement, etc., that you make because you have to.
Synonyms
commitment, duty, responsibility.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obligation |
Formal or legal requirements that compel someone to perform a specific action. Usually used in official, legal, or formal contexts.
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| commitment |
A personal promise or dedication to something or someone, often long-term and requiring emotional investment.
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| responsibility |
The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or someone. This word is often used in more general contexts compared to 'duty' and can apply to various roles and tasks.
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| duty |
A moral or professional obligation to perform certain tasks or conduct oneself in a certain way. This term often implies a sense of honor or ethical responsibility.
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Examples of usage
- The contract includes certain obligations for both parties.
- They have financial obligations to meet.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Ethics
- In ethical discussions, obligations often relate to moral duties, like honesty and loyalty.
- Philosophers like Immanuel Kant emphasized categorical obligations, suggesting we have duties that are universally binding.
Psychology
- Research shows that feeling obligated can impact mental health, as fulfilled obligations can enhance self-esteem.
- Conversely, unmet obligations might lead to stress and anxiety, highlighting the emotional weight of responsibilities.
Pop Culture
- In literature, characters often struggle with their obligations, with stories revealing the tension between personal desires and societal duties.
- Movies like 'Harry Potter' explore themes of obligation, especially regarding friendship, bravery, and loyalty.
Law
- In legal terms, obligations refer to duties imposed by law or contract, requiring individuals or organizations to act in specific ways.
- Breach of an obligation can lead to legal consequences, emphasizing the seriousness of adhering to societal rules.
Origin of 'obligation'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'obligare', meaning 'to bind' or 'to tie,' which reflects how obligations can feel binding.
- In early English, it was used to describe a bond between a person and a promise or duty to someone else.
The word 'obligation' comes from the Latin word 'obligatio', which means a binding or tying. The concept of obligation has been present in human societies since ancient times, where individuals were bound by moral or legal duties. Over the centuries, the notion of obligation has evolved to encompass various aspects of life, including legal, social, and business obligations.
See also: obligate, obligated, obligatory, obliged, obligee, obliging.