obliged
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈblaɪdʒd/
KK: /əˈblaɪdʒd/
adjective
Definition
Feeling that you must do something because someone has helped you or because it is your duty.
Example
I felt obliged to help her after she supported me during my difficult times.
Conversation
I really appreciate you helping me with my project yesterday.
No problem at all! I'm glad I could help you out.
I feel so obliged to return the favor somehow.
You don't have to worry about it, but I definitely wouldn't say no to pizza!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
indebted
grateful
thankful
Antonyms
ungrateful
free
independent
verb
Definition
To be required to do something because of a law, rule, or duty.
Example
She felt obliged to help her friend with the project.
Tense Forms
Past: obliged
Past Participle: obliged
Conversation
I really obliged my friend to help me move last weekend.
That sounds like a big task! How did it go?
It was exhausting, but I was really grateful she obliged to lend a hand.
Root Explanation
Obliged → It is formed from "ob-" (meaning to) and "ligare" (meaning to bind). The word "obliged" means to be bound to do something, often due to a moral or legal duty.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'bound' ('ligare') to do something 'to' ('ob-') — that's why obliged means you have a duty to fulfill.
Visually Confused Words
unobliged
reoblige
foliaged
blighted