Obligation

Definition

An obligation is a duty or commitment that a person is bound to fulfill, often due to legal, moral, or social reasons. It reflects a sense of responsibility or requirement to act in a certain way.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɑː.blɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: AH-bli-GAY-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɒb.lɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: OB-li-GAY-shuhn

Etymology

The word "obligation" originates from the Latin "obligatio," which means "a binding." It stems from "obligare," combining "ob-" (toward) and "ligare" (to bind), indicating a legal or moral binding to a specific course of action.

Derivatives

• Obligatory (adjective)
• Oblige (verb)
• Obligated (adjective)
• Obliger (noun)
• Non-obligation (noun)

Synonyms

• Duty
• Responsibility
• Commitment

Antonyms

• Freedom
• Exemption
• Choice

Usage

The term "obligation" is widely used in legal, moral, and social contexts. For example: "He fulfilled his obligation to support his family," or "There is a legal obligation to disclose this information."

Related Terms

• Contract: A legal agreement that creates obligations.
• Duty: A moral or legal responsibility.
• Accountability: The obligation to explain one's actions.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A moral or legal responsibility: Refers to a binding requirement to act or refrain from acting in a certain way.
  • Example: "The contract imposes an obligation to deliver goods on time."
• A sense of duty: Denotes a personal or social commitment to perform an action.
  • Example: "She felt an obligation to help those in need."
• A formal agreement or bond: Refers to legally binding arrangements, such as financial obligations.
  • Example: "The loan comes with specific obligations for repayment."