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Ought Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ญ
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ought

[ษ”หt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a moral or legal sense

Used to indicate duty or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions or behavior.

Synonyms

must, need to, should.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ought

Used to express a sense of moral duty, responsibility, or advice. It is less forceful than 'must' and often conveys a recommendation rather than an obligation.

  • You ought to apologize to her for what you said.
  • Children ought to respect their elders.
should

Used to give advice, recommendations, or to express what is considered the correct or best thing to do in a given situation. It is also used to express expectations.

  • You should take an umbrella because it might rain.
  • He should speak to his manager about the issue.
must

Used to express a strong necessity or obligation. 'Must' is used when something is required or essential.

  • You must wear a helmet while riding a bike.
  • Students must submit their assignments by Friday.
need to

Used to indicate requirement or necessity. It is similar to 'must' but often used in a less strict or formal context.

  • I need to buy groceries after work.
  • You need to visit the doctor if youโ€™re feeling unwell.

Examples of usage

  • He ought to apologize for his rude behavior.
  • We ought to follow the rules and regulations.
Context #2 | Verb

to be under obligation

Used to indicate that someone is under a moral or legal obligation to do something.

Synonyms

be duty-bound to, be obliged to, have to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ought

Used when expressing a moral duty or correctness, but with less emphasis on obligation.

  • You ought to help your friends when they are in need.
  • She ought to apologize for her mistake.
have to

Used to express necessity or an obligation that cannot be avoided, often more neutral and widely used.

  • You have to wear a seatbelt when driving.
  • I have to finish this project by Monday.
be obliged to

Used when referring to an action that one feels morally or legally compelled to do.

  • We are obliged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
  • She felt obliged to thank him for his help.
be duty-bound to

Used in formal or official contexts when emphasizing a strong sense of duty or responsibility.

  • As a soldier, he is duty-bound to follow orders.
  • Teachers are duty-bound to ensure their students' safety.

Examples of usage

  • You ought to pay your debts on time.
  • She ought to help her family in times of need.
Context #3 | Noun

archaic

Something that is deserved or merited.

Synonyms

deserved, merited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ought

Used to indicate duty or correctness when giving advice or making a recommendation. Often implies moral or logical necessity.

  • You ought to apologize for what you said.
  • She ought to behave more responsibly.
deserved

Employed to express that someone has earned something, especially after a lot of effort or because it's a fair reward. Can be used both in positive and negative contexts.

  • He deserved the promotion after years of hard work.
  • The player deserved the penalty for his rough play.
merited

Formal or literary term to indicate earning something through one's actions or qualities. Often used in contexts of formal acknowledgment or award.

  • Her outstanding work merited special recognition.
  • The bravery of the soldiers merited a medal.

Examples of usage

  • He received his just deserts, as he ought.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Grammar

  • Ought is often used with 'to', as in 'You ought to help your friend.'
  • It expresses advice, necessity, or moral obligation.
  • Unlike 'should', which is sometimes used for suggestions, 'ought' carries a stronger connotation of duty.

Philosophy

  • In ethical discussions, 'ought' often reflects moral imperatives, such as what we believe is right or wrong.
  • Philosophers like Kant used the idea of 'ought' to describe moral duties that are universally applicable.
  • The distinction between 'is' and 'ought' is central to discussions on how things should be versus how they are.

Pop Culture

  • The word is featured in phrases like 'You ought to see this movie,' emphasizing recommendations.
  • Songs and literature often use 'ought' to convey feelings of obligation or regrets about actions not taken.
  • In various television shows, characters often debate what they ought to do when faced with moral dilemmas.

Psychology

  • The sense of 'ought' can create pressure, influencing people's mental health by causing feelings of guilt or anxiety when obligations arenโ€™t met.
  • Research shows that the expectations we have about what we ought to do can affect our decision-making processes.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy often addresses the issues of 'oughts' to help individuals challenge unrealistic self-expectations.

Origin of 'ought'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ought' comes from the Old English word 'ฤhte', which means 'owned' or 'possessed'.
  • It is related to the word 'owe', reflecting a sense of obligation.
  • In Middle English, it was often used to indicate moral duty.

The word 'ought' originated in Middle English from the phrase 'aught worth', which meant 'anything of value'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage as a modal verb indicating duty or obligation. The term has been used in English literature and speech for centuries, reflecting a sense of moral responsibility or correctness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,163, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.