obligated
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɒblɪɡeɪtɪd/
KK: /ˈɑblɪˌɡeɪtɪd/
adjective
Definition
Having a duty or responsibility to do something; feeling that you must do something because of a promise or law.
Example
She felt obligated to help her friend move to a new apartment.
Conversation
I feel obligated to help my neighbor with her garden this weekend.
That's nice of you! It’s good to lend a hand.
Yeah, I just think it’s important to support our community.
Absolutely! We all need to feel obligated to look out for each other.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bound
required
compelled
Antonyms
free
unbound
optional
verb
Definition
To be required to do something because of a law, rule, or moral duty.
Example
She felt obligated to help her friend with the project.
Tense Forms
Past: obligated
Past Participle: obligated
Conversation
I felt really obligated to attend the party last night.
Yeah, sometimes you just have to show up for friends.
I know, but I was so tired from work.
Root Explanation
Obligated → It is formed from "ob-" (meaning towards) and "ligare" (meaning to bind). The word "obligated" means bound to do something or having a duty towards something.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'bound' ('ligare') to do something 'towards' ('ob-') — that's why obligated means you have a duty to fulfill.
Visually Confused Words
unobligated
reobligate
oblongated
foliated
blighted
preobligate
oblate
ligate