obligement
Very Rare / ArchaicArchival / Literary / Highly Formal
Definition
Meaning
A rare and archaic term for a kindness, favour, or act of courtesy, especially one that places the recipient under a moral obligation of gratitude.
The state or condition of being obligated by a received favour, or the favour itself that creates the bond of gratitude.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This word is essentially obsolete and is not listed in modern general-purpose dictionaries. It was used from the 16th to 18th centuries as a synonym for 'obligation' in the sense of a favour received, but it is now only encountered in historical texts. The modern, common word is 'obligation'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No modern difference; the word is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Historical usage; evokes a formal, possibly sentimental, sense of indebtedness from a bygone era.
Frequency
Negligible and effectively zero in contemporary usage for both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
under an obligement to [someone]return an obligement for [a favour]acknowledge the obligementVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or literature studies analyzing texts from the 1500s-1700s.
Everyday
Never used; would be misunderstood or sound affected.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This word is not used at this level.
- This word is not used at this level.
- This word is not used at this level.
- In the 17th-century letter, the writer expressed his 'bounden duty and obligement' to his patron for the land grant.
- She felt a deep obligement for the stranger's aid during the storm, a debt her family honoured for years.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an old, handwritten 'IOU' note. The word 'obligement' is like a verbal IOU for a favour – it sounds old because it is.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FAVOUR IS A SOCIAL DEBT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with modern 'обязательство' (obligation/commitment). The closest Russian concept for the archaic meaning is 'одолжение' or 'услуга'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in modern English (incorrect). Confusing it with the common and modern 'obligation'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the status of the word 'obligement' in modern English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is historical and obsolete. It was used in Early Modern English (c. 1500-1700s) and is not part of the modern active vocabulary.
Historically, 'obligement' specifically meant a favour or kindness that creates a bond of gratitude. 'Obligation' is broader, meaning any duty or commitment, whether legal, moral, or social. Today, only 'obligation' is used.
No, not for active use. You should be aware of it only for understanding older texts. For all modern contexts, use 'favour', 'kindness', or 'obligation' as appropriate.
Only in historical documents, literature from the 16th-18th centuries (e.g., Shakespeare, letters of the period), or academic discussions about such texts.
Explore