Obligation: Definition, Usage & Key Differences

Meaning 1：duty (obligation)

obligation 🔊

/ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃən/

Something you have to do because of a law, a rule, or a promise you made.

duty 🔊

➕

/ˈdjuːti/

A duty or responsibility that one is bound to fulfill, often imposed by law, rule, or a promise.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'obligare' (to bind), with 'ob-' (towards) and 'ligare' (to bind).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'obligation' as an 'obvious ligation' that ties you to a task.

📖 Example

Once you sign the contract, you have an obligation to pay the full amount by the end of next month. 🔊 After signing a contract, one is duty-bound to pay the specified amount by the deadline.

🔗 Collocations

legal obligation – A duty imposed by law or legal contract.

moral obligation – A duty arising from ethical principles or conscience.

financial obligation – A duty related to monetary payments or debts.

🔄 Synonyms

duty (n.) – Something one is required to do by moral, legal, or social necessity.

responsibility (n.) – The state of being accountable for a task or obligation.

commitment (n.) – A pledge or promise that binds one to a course of action.

🚫 Antonyms

option (n.) – A choice or alternative that one may freely select.

freedom (n.) – The power to act without constraint or obligation.

🌱 Derivatives

obligatory (adj.) – Required by rule, law, or necessity; mandatory.

oblige (v.) – To compel or require someone to do something as a duty.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'obligation' originates from Latin 'obligatio', meaning a binding agreement. It entered English via Old French, commonly used in legal and moral contexts to denote enforceable duties.