Obliging: meaning, definitions and examples

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obliging

 

[ əˈblaɪdʒɪŋ ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

being helpful

Willing to do a service or favor; helpful; accommodating.

Synonyms

accommodating, cooperative, helpful, kind, willing

Examples of usage

  • She was always obliging and ready to lend a hand.
  • He was so obliging that everyone wanted to be his friend.
  • The staff at the hotel were extremely obliging and attentive to our needs.
Context #2 | Verb

complying with a request

To do as someone asks or desires in order to help or please them.

Synonyms

accommodate, comply, fulfill, heed, satisfy

Examples of usage

  • He obliged by opening the door for her.
  • She obliged him with a cup of tea.

Translations

Translations of the word "obliging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obrigado

🇮🇳 आज्ञाकारी

🇩🇪 hilfsbereit

🇮🇩 mengabulkan

🇺🇦 дружелюбний

🇵🇱 usłużny

🇯🇵 親切な

🇫🇷 serviable

🇪🇸 servicial

🇹🇷 gönüllü

🇰🇷 도와주는

🇸🇦 مطيع

🇨🇿 ochotný

🇸🇰 ochotný

🇨🇳 乐于助人的

🇸🇮 uslužni

🇮🇸 hjálpsamur

🇰🇿 қызмет көрсетуге дайын

🇬🇪 მხარდაჭრილი

🇦🇿 köməksevər

🇲🇽 servicial

Etymology

The word 'obliging' originates from the Middle English 'obligen', which comes from the Old French 'obliger', meaning 'to bind'. The sense of 'doing a service or favor' emerged in the 17th century, reflecting the idea of being bound by duty or willing to help others.

See also: obligate, obligated, obligation, obligatory, obliged, obligee.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,207, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.