oblige
C1Formal, semi-formal, official contexts.
Definition
Meaning
to require or force someone to do something as a legal, moral, or social duty.
To do a service or favour for someone; to accommodate or help; to bind by gratitude.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies an external pressure (legal, moral, social) or a sense of indebtedness. The passive voice 'be obliged to' is more common than the active.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The adjective 'obliged' (grateful) is slightly more common in British English in polite formulas.
Connotations
In both, can carry a slight nuance of reluctant necessity when referring to duty, but a positive nuance of helpfulness when referring to a favour.
Frequency
Similar frequency; perhaps slightly higher in British English due to conventional polite expressions ('much obliged').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to oblige somebody to do somethingto be obliged to do somethingto oblige somebody with somethingto oblige by doing somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Much obliged (polite thank you)”
- “I'd be obliged if... (polite request)”
- “Duty obliges”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contracts and formal agreements ('The supplier is obliged to deliver within 30 days').
Academic
Used in discussions of ethics, law, or social theory ('Citizens are obliged to follow just laws').
Everyday
Polite requests or expressions of gratitude ('I'd be obliged if you could pass the salt'; 'Much obliged for your help').
Technical
Used in legal and regulatory documents specifying mandatory actions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The regulations oblige all passengers to wear seatbelts.
- Could you possibly oblige me with the time?
- I felt obliged to offer my assistance.
American English
- The contract obliges the company to maintain insurance.
- She obliged by sending the documents overnight.
- We are not obliged to answer those questions.
adjective
British English
- He was most obliged for their hospitality.
- 'Much obliged,' said the farmer, tipping his hat.
American English
- I'd be obliged if you could keep this confidential.
- She felt obliged to decline the invitation due to a prior commitment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The school rules oblige students to wear a uniform.
- Can you oblige me with a pen?
- Circumstances obliged him to sell the family business.
- I feel obliged to point out a potential error in the report.
- The treaty obliges signatory states to reduce carbon emissions.
- She graciously obliged the journalist's request for an interview.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BLIGE (the bottom of a ship's hull). If water enters the bilge, you are OBLIGED to pump it out. Duty 'obliges' you.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/MORAL DEBT IS A PHYSICAL BOND (to be bound by duty, tied by obligation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'облегчить' (to make easier).
- Do not translate 'oblige' directly as 'обязывать' in every context; for favours, use 'сделать одолжение'.
- 'I am obliged to you' means 'I am grateful', not 'Я обязан тебе' in the sense of owing a debt.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'oblige to' without an object (Wrong: 'The law obliges to pay.' Correct: 'The law obliges us to pay.').
- Confusing 'obliged' (grateful) with 'obligated' (legally bound; more common in US English).
Practice
Quiz
In the polite phrase 'Much obliged', what does 'obliged' most closely mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are largely synonymous, especially in the sense of being compelled. However, 'obliged' is broader and used in polite formulas ('much obliged'), while 'obligated' is more strictly about legal/moral duty and is more frequent in American English.
Yes. When it means 'to do a favour for someone' (e.g., 'He obliged us with a song'), it has a positive, helpful connotation.
Forgetting the object. It must be 'oblige SOMEONE to do something', not just 'oblige to do something'.
It is somewhat formal and traditional, but still understood and used, especially in British English. In casual speech, 'thanks' or 'thank you' is more common.