obligation
Meaning: A duty or requirement to do something; something you must do
An obligation is something you are required or bound to do, whether by law, duty, moral principles, or social expectations. It can be a formal requirement (contractual obligations) or a sense of duty (family obligations). 'Under no obligation' means you are free to choose and not forced to do something.
Examples
- You have a legal obligation to pay your taxes. 你有纳税的法律义务。Tienes la obligación legal de pagar tus impuestos.あなたには税金を払う法的義務があります。당신에게는 세금을 납부할 법적 의무가 있습니다.
- She felt an obligation to help her elderly neighbours. 她感到有义务帮助年迈的邻居。Ella sentía la obligación de ayudar a sus vecinos ancianos.彼女は高齢の隣人を助ける義務を感じていました。그녀는 연로한 이웃들을 도와야 할 의무감을 느꼈습니다.
- There's no obligation to buy—just come and have a look. 没有购买的义务——只是来看看。No hay obligación de comprar—solo ven a echar un vistazo.買う義務はありません—見に来るだけでいいですよ。구매할 의무는 없습니다—그냥 구경만 오세요.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French 'obligation', from Latin 'obligationem' meaning 'a binding, engagement', from 'obligare' (to bind, tie up), from 'ob-' (to) + 'ligare' (to bind, tie). Related to 'oblige', 'ligament', 'league', and 'religion'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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