Word
oblige
US/əˈbɫaɪdʒ/
UK/əblˈaɪdʒ/
Definitions
01to force or require
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. to force someone to do something because of a law, a rule, or a duty.
v. to constrain someone by legal, moral, or social necessity. Often used in the passive voice.
“The new law will oblige all companies to report their carbon emissions.”
“The terms of the contract oblige the tenant to maintain the garden to a professional standard throughout the lease period.”
02to do a favour
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to help someone by doing what they have asked you to do.
v. to perform a service or favour for someone, often in response to a request.
日本語:くださる※
“The shopkeeper was happy to oblige when I asked for a smaller bag.”
“When the diplomat requested a private audience, the ministry was more than happy to oblige to ensure the negotiations continued smoothly.”
Synonyms
03to make someone feel grateful
C2 · Proficiency Formal · Literary
v. to make someone feel that they owe you thanks for a favour.
v. to place someone under a debt of gratitude for a service rendered.
“I am much obliged to you for your help with these heavy bags.”
“The professor noted that he was deeply obliged to his colleagues for their insightful critiques of his early drafts.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “oblige” in context.
Verb
01. feel obliged to help
“After all the support they gave me, I felt obliged to help them with their move.”
verb + adj + infinitive
02. happily oblige the guests
“When the visitors asked for a tour of the garden, the host happily obliged the guests.”
adv + verb + noun
03. legally oblige the company
“The new environmental regulations legally oblige the company to reduce its carbon emissions.”
adv + verb + noun
04. oblige with a song
“The pianist was reluctant at first, but he eventually obliged with a song.”
verb + prep + noun
Adverb
05. contractually obliged to stay
“She is contractually obliged to stay with the firm for at least two years.”
adv + adj + infinitive
06. morally obliged to act
“Witnesses to the accident felt morally obliged to act before the paramedics arrived.”
adv + adj + infinitive
Usage
Often used in the passive voice ('to be obliged to'). When meaning 'to do a favor', it can be used intransitively.
Pitfall
The rain obliged me staying home
The rain obliged me to stay home
When used to mean 'force', this verb must be followed by an object and a 'to-infinitive', not a gerund.
Real-World Examples
“Brussels officials are concerned that many public agencies think existing EU rules oblige them to choose the cheapest bid when spending public money, which can lead to the contract going to a non-European firm.” “They tell him to make a hot coffee and, even though he has started to make a cold one, he drops his head and sullenly obliges.” “He has been asked to pose for photos showing off his new smile – and he is only too happy to oblige.” Etymology
From Middle English obligen, from Old French obligier, obliger, from Latin obligō, obligāre, from ob- + ligō. Doublet of obligate, taken straight from Latin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/oblige
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0