oblige
/əˈblaɪdʒ/- 1.
To make someone do something because of a law, rule, or strong moral duty. The person has little or no real choice in the matter.
- The law obliges all employers to provide a safe workplace.
- He felt obliged to apologize after the misunderstanding.
- The contract obliges both parties to meet the agreed deadlines.
- 2.
To do something helpful or kind for someone who has asked. You are willingly doing them a service or a favor.
- She was happy to oblige when her colleague needed help.
- Could you oblige me by turning down the music?
- The singer obliged the crowd with one final song.
Adinary Nuance
Oblige sits close to require, compel, and force in the "duty" sense, but each word feels different. Force and compel suggest strong external pressure or power — someone makes you act against your will. Oblige is softer; it implies a moral or legal bond — you ought to act, not that you are physically made to. Require is the most neutral of the group, often used in rules and conditions without any emotional weight, while oblige carries a more personal sense of responsibility. In its second sense — doing a favor — oblige is more formal and gracious than help or assist; "happy to oblige" sounds polished, while "sure, I'll help" sounds casual.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Buộc phải
- Spanish
- Obligar
- Chinese
- 迫使
- Japanese
- 義務づける
- Korean
- 의무를 지우다
Etymology
From Old French "obliger" and Latin "obligare," meaning "to bind," from "ob-" (to) and "ligare" (to tie or bind). The word entered English in the 14th century, carrying the core idea of being bound by duty or law.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'oblige' and 'obligate'?
- Both mean to make someone feel a duty to act. 'Obligate' is more common in American English and formal legal writing. 'Oblige' is more common in British and Indian English, and it has the added sense of doing someone a favor — 'obligate' does not carry that second meaning.
- Is 'much obliged' still used today?
- 'Much obliged' is still used as a polite, slightly formal way to say 'thank you.' It is common in British and Indian English and sounds warm and gracious. In very casual everyday speech, most people simply say 'thanks.'
- Is 'oblige' a formal word? Can I use it in IELTS writing?
- Yes, 'oblige' is formal to semi-formal and is a strong choice for IELTS academic writing. Use it in the duty sense: 'Governments are obliged to protect their citizens.' Avoid the 'do a favor' sense in formal essays, as it sounds out of place there.
- What is the difference between 'oblige' and 'force'?
- 'Force' implies raw power or pressure — someone makes you act against your will. 'Oblige' implies a moral, legal, or social bond — you feel you must act because of duty or rules, not because someone is physically making you.