oblige
gb/əblˈaɪd͡ʒ/ us/əblˈaɪd͡ʒ/
B2
English
~ 26700
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
B2
action
1
to require or force someone
To make someone have to do something because of a law, rule, promise, or situation.
Usage pattern:
to oblige [someone] to do [something]; to be obliged to do [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often say *"oblige to do"* without an object, for example *"The law obliges to wear a helmet"*. It should be *"obliges people to wear a helmet"* or use the passive form *"people are obliged to wear a helmet"*. Another confusion is between "oblige" and the more common "have to" or "must": in everyday speech, people usually prefer "have to" or "must"; "oblige" is more formal.
Synonyms
require (More common and direct, especially for rules and instructions; slightly less formal than "oblige" in legal writing.)
|
compel (Stronger idea of force or pressure than "oblige", often with a sense of little or no choice.)
Antonyms
free (To remove a duty or restriction, the opposite of making someone do something.)
Collocations
be obliged to
|oblige someone to
|legally obliged to
|contract obliges
|felt obliged to
Themes
law
|society
|work
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new regulations oblige companies to reduce their carbon emissions.
- Patients are not obliged to answer questions they are uncomfortable with.
- Under the contract, the landlord is obliged to carry out repairs within thirty days.
- Circumstances obliged us to cancel the trip at the last minute.
- Teachers are legally obliged to report any serious safety concerns.
Learner examples
- The law obliges drivers to wear seat belts.
- I was obliged to pay a fine because I parked in the wrong place.
- His job obliges him to travel a lot.
- Employees are obliged to follow the company rules.
Verb
formal
B2
action
2
to help by doing a favor
To help someone by doing what they ask you to do.
Usage pattern:
to oblige [someone] (with [something]); to oblige (used in polite offers)
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this meaning with the "be obliged to" meaning of duty. *"I am obliged to help you"* usually means *"I feel I must help you"*, not simply *"I help you"*. To talk about doing a favor, say *"I’m happy to oblige"* or *"He obliged me by helping"*.
Synonyms
help (More general and common; does not carry the same polite or somewhat formal tone as "oblige".)
|
accommodate (Similar idea of helping by changing your plans; often used in formal or customer-service contexts.)
Antonyms
refuse (To say no to a request instead of doing the favor.)
Collocations
happy to oblige
|oblige someone with
|oblige a request
|kindly oblige
|if you would oblige
Themes
daily life
|social
|politeness
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Could you oblige me by closing the window?
- If you need a ride to the station, I’d be happy to oblige.
- She obliged him with a detailed reference letter.
- The hotel staff readily obliged our request for extra towels.
- He never talks much about his past, but he obliged when the reporter asked for a short interview.
Learner examples
- I asked her to speak more slowly, and she gladly obliged.
- If you need help, I will oblige.
- The waiter obliged us with a table near the window.
- He obliged his friend by walking her home.
Grammar
Dictionary form
oblige
IPA
GB/əblˈaɪd͡ʒ/
US/əblˈaɪd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
ob - lige (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lige)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: oblige
- 3rd Person Singular: obliges
- Present Participle: obliging
- Past: obliged
Word family
Forms
obliges
verb
obliging
verb
obliged
verb
Core family
obligation
noun B1
obligatory
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
optional
adjective B1
unobliging
adjective
Advanced or less common
obligate
verb B2
Expressions
be obliged to do something
1/bˈi əblˈaɪd͡ʒd tə dˈu sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
to be required to act
To have to do something because of a law, rule, promise, or situation.
Examples
- Employers are obliged to provide a safe working environment.
- I was obliged to accept the offer because I needed the job.
- Under the agreement, both sides are obliged to keep the details confidential.
feel obliged to do something
1/fˈil əblˈaɪd͡ʒd tə dˈu sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
to feel you must do something
To feel that you must do something, often to be polite or because someone helped you before.
Examples
- I felt obliged to invite him, even though we’re not close friends.
- She paid for my lunch, so I felt obliged to pay next time.
- He didn’t want to go, but he felt obliged to support his colleagues.
happy to oblige
1/hˈæpi tə əblˈaɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
glad to do what is asked
Used to say that you are pleased and willing to do what someone has asked you to do.
Examples
- “Could you send that by email as well?” “Of course, happy to oblige.”
- If you need anything during your stay, our staff will be happy to oblige.
- When I asked if he could stay late to finish the report, he seemed happy to oblige.
much obliged
1/mˈʌt͡ʃ əblˈaɪd͡ʒd/
idiom
informal
thank you; very grateful
A polite or friendly way to say that you are very thankful to someone.
Examples
- “Here’s your coffee.” “Much obliged.”
- Much obliged for your help with the move yesterday.
- “I’ve sent you the documents you asked for.” “Much obliged, I really appreciate it.”