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Oblige Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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oblige

[əˈblaɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a formal setting

To compel by moral, legal, or physical force; to bind by a social, legal, or moral tie

Synonyms

compel, force, require.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oblige

Used when someone is grateful or feels compelled to do something because of a favor or request, often suggesting a sense of duty or politeness.

  • She was obliged to attend the meeting because her boss asked her politely
  • They obliged their guests with a wonderful dinner
require

Used when something is necessary or mandated by rules, laws, or circumstances. It often implies less personal willingness but more necessity or obligation.

  • This job requires a lot of patience
  • Students are required to complete the assignment by Friday
force

Used when someone is made to do something against their will, suggesting a strong and often physical or authoritative coercion. Can have a negative connotation.

  • The guard forced the prisoner back into his cell
  • She was forced to apologize even though she didn't think she was wrong
compel

Used when speaking about a situation or person that makes someone feel forced to take a certain action, often involving a strong influence or coercion.

  • The circumstances compelled him to tell the truth
  • The teacher's strict rules compelled the students to study harder

Examples of usage

  • He felt obliged to report the incident to the authorities.
  • She was obliged to attend the meeting as part of her job responsibilities.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To do a service or favor for; to accommodate

Synonyms

appreciative, grateful, thankful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oblige

Used when you are required to do something or feel compelled to help someone, often out of a sense of duty or obligation.

  • Could you oblige me by carrying this box upstairs?
  • I felt obliged to attend the meeting even though I had other plans.
grateful

Expresses a strong sense of thankfulness and recognition for something beneficial received, either in speech or writing. Typically used in personal and emotional contexts.

  • I am extremely grateful for your help during these difficult times.
  • He felt grateful for the opportunity to work on such an important project.
thankful

Often used to express relief or happiness that something good has happened or something bad has not happened. It carries a slightly less formal tone compared to 'grateful'.

  • I am thankful that the weather was perfect for our picnic.
  • She was thankful to her neighbors for watching her dog while she was away.
appreciative

Used to express recognition and enjoyment of someone's effort, often subtly and in a formal context.

  • The audience gave an appreciative applause after the performance.
  • She was very appreciative of the support she received from her team.

Examples of usage

  • I would be much obliged if you could help me with this task.
  • We are obliged to you for your assistance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, the concept of obligation is often linked to social harmony and community support, fostering cooperation.
  • Many cultures celebrate festivals or traditions where helping and obliging others is a central theme, such as community service days.
  • In some faiths, being obliged to help others is seen as a moral imperative, emphasizing compassion and familial duty.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people often feel a greater sense of satisfaction when they fulfill obligations or help others.
  • The 'norm of reciprocity' suggests when you do a favor for someone, they feel obliged to return the favor, establishing social bonds.
  • People who frequently oblige others tend to report higher levels of happiness and social satisfaction.

Literature

  • Many famous literary works explore themes of obligation, such as 'A Doll's House' by Henrik Ibsen, which examines duty in relationships.
  • Obligation is often a driving force in character development, pushing protagonists to choose between personal desires and societal expectations.
  • Shakespeare's plays frequently highlight the conflict between individual wishes and societal obligations, illustrating universal human struggles.

Modern Usage

  • In legal contexts, obligations can refer to duties enforced by contracts, showcasing the importance of agreements in society.
  • In everyday language, one might say 'I’m obliged to help my neighbor' to express a strong personal or social commitment.
  • Social media platforms often showcase the need to oblige or support others through the sharing of charitable events and community initiatives.

Origin of 'oblige'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'obligare', meaning to bind or tie up, which reflects the sense of duty in helping others.
  • In Old French, the word was 'obliger', which transitioned into Middle English before becoming part of modern vocabulary.
  • The Latin prefix 'ob-' means 'to' or 'against', and 'ligare' means 'to bind', together conveying the idea of binding oneself to a duty or promise.

The word 'oblige' originated from the Latin word 'obligare', which means 'to bind'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially meaning 'to bind by oath' or 'to be bound by duty or responsibility'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the sense of doing someone a service or favor. 'Oblige' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to convey a sense of duty, courtesy, or gratitude.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,228, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.