Word
obliged
US/əˈbɫaɪdʒd/
UK/əblˈaɪdʒd/
Definitions
01forced by rules
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. to be forced to do something because of a law, a rule, or a duty.
v. to be constrained by physical, legal, or moral necessity. Often used in the passive voice followed by a 'to' infinitive.
“The company was obliged to pay for the damage caused by the leak.”
“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'.
02grateful
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. feeling thankful because someone has done something kind for you.
adj. indebted or grateful to someone for a service or favour. Frequently used in polite social formulas.
“I would be much obliged if you could send me the report today.”
“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.
Teaching 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.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Back in the 13th century, it had already obliged Jews in its Cretan colony’s capital Candia (now Heraklion) to live in a separate area.” “We feel obliged to answer emails much more quickly than we ever felt obliged to answer post.” “Sheeran was obliged to swiftly remove Macklemore from the tour.” Etymology
See oblige. Compare obligated.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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