obliged

/əˈblaɪdʒd/ (American pronunciation)

Origin

From Middle English, derived from Old French "obligier," ultimately from Latin "obligare" meaning "to bind."

Meanings

1. Feeling or being bound to do something as a duty or because of a promise or moral responsibility.
2. Feeling grateful or indebted to someone for a service or favor.

Example Sentences

1. "I'm obliged to attend the meeting as it's part of my job responsibilities."
2. "We're obliged to you for your help during our move."
3. "The company is legally obliged to provide safe working conditions."

Related Words

• Forms: oblige (verb), obligation (noun), obligatory (adjective)
• Synonyms: indebted, grateful, duty-bound, compelled, required

Memorization Trick

Think of "obliged" as "O-BLIJ-ed":

• O: Owe (feeling of owing something)
• BLIJ: Bound by Law, Integrity, or Justness
• ed: Past tense ending, indicating the state of being in this condition

Remember: When you're obliged, you're bound (BLIJ) by a sense of owing (O) something.