Obligations Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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obligations
[หษblษชหษกeษชสษnz ]
Definitions
legal
A duty or commitment to fulfill a contract, pay a debt, or perform an obligation.
Synonyms
commitments, duties, responsibilities.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obligations |
This word is used when talking about formal or legal requirements. It often carries a sense of compulsion or necessity.
|
| duties |
Refers to tasks or responsibilities that are part of one's job or role. It implies a sense of moral or ethical responsibility.
|
| responsibilities |
This word is used more broadly, for general tasks or roles that one is expected to handle. It implies accountability and trust.
|
| commitments |
Used when referring to promises or pledges that are voluntarily made. It suggests a personal or emotional investment in fulfilling the promise.
|
Examples of usage
- Companies have obligations to their shareholders.
- She had financial obligations to meet.
- The contract outlined the obligations of both parties.
social
Something that one is bound to do out of a sense of duty or responsibility.
Synonyms
commitments, duties, responsibilities.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obligations |
Use 'obligations' when talking about legal or moral duties, or something that one is bound to do because of a rule, law, or expectation.
|
| duties |
Use 'duties' when talking about tasks or actions that are required to be performed, often because of one's job or social position.
|
| responsibilities |
Use 'responsibilities' to refer to tasks, roles, or duties that someone is accountable for, often emphasizing the aspect of managing or taking care of something or someone.
|
| commitments |
Use 'commitments' when referring to something one has promised or agreed to do, often involving personal or professional engagement.
|
Examples of usage
- Parents have obligations to take care of their children.
- Citizens have obligations to obey the law.
- We have obligations to help those in need.
financial
A sum of money that one owes to another.
Synonyms
debts, indebtedness, liabilities.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obligations |
Used to describe responsibilities or duties that one is bound to fulfill, often by law or contract.
|
| debts |
Used when referring to money that is owed to another party, typically financial in nature. Common in both personal and business contexts.
|
| liabilities |
Used primarily in financial and accounting contexts to refer to amounts owed by a person or company. Can also mean legal responsibilities.
|
| indebtedness |
Formal or technical term often used in legal or financial contexts to describe the state of owing money. It can also imply a sense of gratitude or moral obligation.
|
Examples of usage
- He had outstanding obligations to repay.
- The company's obligations exceeded its assets.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, fulfilling obligations to family is considered a sign of respect and honor.
- Religious teachings often emphasize obligations to the community, illustrating social harmony and support.
- In Japan, the concept of 'giri' represents a moral obligation, balancing personal interests and societal expectations.
Psychology
- Feeling obligated can create stress, as people often struggle to balance personal desires with duties.
- Research shows that fulfilling obligations can lead to a sense of accomplishment and improve mental well-being.
- The concept of obligation is linked to guilt; failing to meet them can cause feelings of shame.
Literature
- Many classic novels explore charactersโ struggles with their obligations, showcasing personal conflict and growth.
- Shakespeare's works often highlight the tension between personal desires and societal obligations.
- In 'The Great Gatsby', Gatsby's obligations to his past and to Daisy create central conflicts in the story.
Legal Framework
- In law, obligations can be either contractual, arising from agreements, or tort obligations which come from wrongful acts.
- Business law emphasizes the importance of obligations in contracts, ensuring parties fulfill their promises.
- Obligations can be enforced by law, meaning if someone fails to meet their obligations, they may face legal consequences.
Origin of 'obligations'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'obligatio', meaning a binding or a tying together.
- It originally referred to a legal bond, showing its importance in agreements and promises.
- The root word 'obligare' means to bind or tie, reflecting how obligations can feel binding.
The word 'obligations' comes from the Latin word 'obligatio', which means a binding, a bond, or a duty. The concept of obligations has roots in ancient legal systems where individuals were bound by laws, contracts, and moral duties. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various forms of duties, responsibilities, and commitments in legal, social, and financial contexts.