What does "obliged" mean?

1. (forced by rules) to be forced to do something because of a law, a rule, or a duty. 2. (grateful) feeling thankful because someone has done something kind for you.

How do you use "obliged"?

Commonly used in the passive form: 'be obliged to do something'. Often appears in the phrase 'much obliged' as a formal way to say thank you.

obliged

v. · adj.

US //əˈbɫaɪdʒd// UK //əblˈaɪdʒd// obliged

1 forced by rules (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

to be forced to do something because of a law, a rule, or a duty.

to be constrained by physical, legal, or moral necessity. Often used in the passive voice followed by a 'to' infinitive.

Example

The company was obliged to pay for the damage caused by the leak.

Example

Under the terms of the revised contract, the landlord was legally obliged to provide alternative accommodation during the structural repairs.

Usage

Commonly used in the passive form: 'be obliged to do something'.
- exempt
- free
2 grateful (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

feeling thankful because someone has done something kind for you.

indebted or grateful to someone for a service or favour. Frequently used in polite social formulas.

Example

I would be much obliged if you could send me the report today.

Example

The professor noted that he was deeply obliged to his research assistants for their meticulous data collection over the summer.

Usage

Often appears in the phrase 'much obliged' as a formal way to say thank you.

Teacher's tip

In modern spoken English, 'much obliged' can sound slightly old-fashioned or very formal; 'I'd appreciate it' is a more common alternative in neutral settings.
- ungrateful

Origin

See oblige. Compare obligated.