Words / B2

obl-i-GAYSHUN/ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃn/

An obligation is a duty you must fulfil: a legal obligation, under an obligation to, a moral obligation. Duty is a close twin; requirement is often a rule on paper; choice is the opposite idea. Oblige and obligatory are related. In speech, you have to is enough. Do not use obligation for a vague hope, and do not confuse it with obligation’s cousin oblation (a rare religious word). Pattern: obligation to + verb.

Meaning

Something you must do because of a law, contract, or duty (an obligation to / under).

Examples

• “Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace.”
• “Employers have an obligation to consult before mass redundancies.”
• “She felt a moral obligation to report the error, not only a legal one.”

Good to know

a legal / moral obligation; obligation to + verb; under an obligation. Everyday: you have to. Close: duty. Opposite idea: choice.

Near in meaning

duty

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