obligation
ob-li-GEY-shuhn
/ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃən/
An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty.
Can refer to both formal legal requirements (like a contract) and informal social or moral duties (like helping a friend).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'obligationem', from 'obligare' (to bind, band, or tie up). This is a compound of 'ob-' (toward) and 'ligare' (to bind). In ancient Rome, an obligatio was a legal bond where a debtor was literally tied to their creditor until the debt was paid.
Word relationships
- duty: Duty is often associated with moral or patriotic imperatives, while obligation is more frequently tied to specific rules, laws, or agreements.
- commitment: A commitment is a voluntary pledge to do something, whereas an obligation is a binding requirement.
- option: A thing that is or may be chosen; not mandatory.
- choice: The act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.
Commonly confused with
- obligatory: Obligatory is the adjective meaning 'required by rule or law,' while obligation is the noun representing the requirement itself.
Word family
- obligate (verb): To bind or compel someone legally or morally.
- obligatory (adjective): Required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory.
Collocations
- moral obligation
- contractual obligation
- under an obligation
Idioms & expressions
- bound by duty
Example sentences
- "Citizens have a moral obligation to participate in the democratic process by voting." Civic Duty
- "The contractor failed to fulfill his contractual obligations, leading to a lawsuit." Contract Law
Memory hook
Think of 'ob-' (obstacles) and 'lig' (like a ligament). An obligation is a legal ligament that binds you to a task, preventing you from walking away. An obligation binds you like a legal ligament.
When not to use
Do not use for a simple preference or a task that is entirely optional.
Fun facts
- In medieval Europe, if you failed to meet a financial obligation, you could be physically imprisoned in a 'debtor's prison' until your family paid the debt.
Related words
Also appears in
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