obligated

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Word: Obligated

Part of Speech: Adjective

Simple Definition: The word "obligated" means that you are required to do something, either because of rules, laws, or your own feelings of responsibility. When you are obligated, you feel like you must act in a certain way.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "obligated" when you want to express that someone has a duty or responsibility to do something.
• It often refers to situations where there is a strong reason to act, such as legal requirements or moral duties.

Example Sentences:

1. Legal Obligation: "She was obligated to pay her taxes on time."
2. Moral Obligation: "He felt obligated to help his friend move to a new apartment because he had helped him before."

Advanced Usage:

• "Obligated" can also imply a sense of pressure or emotional responsibility. For example, "After receiving such a generous gift, I felt obligated to thank her properly."

Word Variants:

• Obligation (noun): The state of being obligated. For example, "He has an obligation to finish his work."
• Obligate (verb): To make someone feel they must do something. For example, "The contract obligates the employees to follow certain rules."

Different Meaning:

In a legal context, "obligated" may refer specifically to duties defined by law, while in a personal context, it often relates to feelings of kindness or gratitude.

Synonyms:

• Required
• Bound
• Compelled
• Duty-bound

Idioms:

• "Under obligation": This means that someone is in a situation where they must do something for someone else. For example, "I'm under obligation to return the favor."

Phrasal Verb:

While there isn't a specific phrasal verb that directly uses "obligated," you might hear "obligate someone to" in sentences. For example: "The terms of the agreement obligate her to complete the project by next month."

Summary:

So, when you hear or use the word "obligated," think about responsibilities and duties that may come from laws or personal feelings.

Academic

Adjective

1. caused by law or conscience to follow a certain course
   • felt obligated to repay the kindness
   • was obligated to pay off the student loan

Synonyms

• obligated