obligated
Adjective: 1. Being bound legally or morally; having a duty to do something: The state of being compelled or required to follow a specific course of action due to a law, contract, promise, or sense of moral duty. 2. Indebted or grateful because of a favor received: Feeling a sense of duty or indebtedness in return for help or kindness.
The adjective "obligated" describes a person who is bound by an obligation. It is often followed by an infinitive ("to" + verb) to specify the required action. It is more formal than "obliged" in American English when referring to legal or contractual duties.
- The company is obligated to provide a safe working environment for its employees. (Legally bound)
- After they helped me move, I felt obligated to invite them for dinner. (Morally bound/indebted)
- As a witness, you are obligated to tell the truth in court. (Legally bound)
- She didn't feel obligated to attend the meeting since it was optional. (Not bound by duty)
- "To feel obligated": This common phrase emphasizes the internal sense of duty or indebtedness, often from a social or moral pressure rather than a strict legal one.
- You shouldn't feel obligated to donate; give only if you want to.
- "Legally obligated": Explicitly specifies that the duty arises from law or a formal contract.
- Landlords are legally obligated to make necessary repairs.
- Obligate (verb): To bind or compel someone, especially legally or morally.
- The contract obligates the tenant to pay rent on the first of the month.
- Obligation (noun): A duty or commitment.
- He has a financial obligation to his family.
- Obligatory (adjective): Required by a rule or law; mandatory.
- Attendance at the safety briefing is obligatory.
- Bound: Tied by a legal or moral agreement.
- Compelled: Forced to do something.
- Required: Necessary according to a rule.
- Duty-bound: Obliged by one's sense of duty.
- Indebted: Owing gratitude for a service or favor.
- Exempt: Free from an obligation.
- Voluntary: Done by choice, not obligation.
- Unobligated: Not bound by any duty.
"Obligated" is sometimes contrasted with "obliged." While they can be synonyms, especially in the sense of feeling grateful ("I'm much obliged"), in American English, "obligated" is often preferred for concrete legal or formal duties, whereas "obliged" can sound more formal or old-fashioned in such contexts.
- caused by law or conscience to follow a certain course
- felt obligated to repay the kindness
- was obligated to pay off the student loan