beholden
Adjective: - Under a moral obligation to someone; indebted or owing gratitude: Feeling that you owe someone a debt of thanks or a favor because of something they have done for you.
The adjective "beholden" describes a state of being obligated or indebted to another person, typically due to a kindness, favor, or help received. It implies a sense of duty or gratitude that is owed. It is almost always followed by the preposition "to."
- "To be beholden to no one": To be independent and not obligated to any person or group.
- The artist valued her creative freedom and wanted to be beholden to no one.
- Behold (verb): To see or observe. (Note: While "beholden" is etymologically related to "behold," their meanings are distinct in modern usage.)
- Indebted (adjective): Owing money or gratitude. (A close synonym, though "indebted" can be financial, while "beholden" is primarily moral/social.)
- Obligated
- Indebted
- Grateful (Note: "Grateful" expresses thankfulness, while "beholden" emphasizes the resulting obligation.)
- In someone's debt
- Ungrateful
- Independent (in the sense of being free from obligation)
- Unobligated
"Beholden" is a formal word. It is not typically used in casual, everyday conversation but is common in formal writing, speeches, and discussions about ethics, politics, or personal relationships involving duty and gratitude. The obligation it describes is moral or social, not necessarily legal.
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under a moral obligation to someone
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