English

Adjective

obliged ‎(comparative more obliged, superlative most obliged)

1. Under an obligation to do something for someone.
2. Indebted because of a favor done.

Usage notes

In sense “under obligation”, synonymous with obligated, though the latter is only used in American English and some dialects such as Scottish,^[1] not standard British.^[2]

In dialects where both obliged and obligated are used, there is no standard distinction drawn, though individuals may distinguish nuance or use idiosyncratically. In technical discussions, particularly legal ones such as The Concept of Law by H. L. A. Hart (1961), the words may carry different meanings, such as obligations inherent to a relationship versus ones externally imposed.

Synonyms

• (under obligation): obligated

Translations

References

1. ↑ Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, p. 675
2. ↑ The New Fowler’s Modern English Usage (1996)

Verb

obliged

1. simple past tense and past participle of oblige

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