Duty Meaning and Definition
Duty
Pronunciation
/ˈdjuːti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A burden or obligation that one has a moral or legal responsibility to fulfill, often referring to a civic or social responsibility.
Examples
- It is our duty to help those in need.
- A citizen’s duty is to contribute to the community.
Synonyms
- Obligation
- Responsibility
- Chores
Antonyms
- Laziness
- Indolence
Additional Information
Duty is a concept central to many philosophical and religious beliefs. It is often linked to the idea of morality, where individuals have a responsibility to behave in a certain way. In a practical sense, duty can refer to the tasks or roles that one is expected to perform in daily life, such as work or family obligations.
In some contexts, duty can also refer to a sense of loyalty or allegiance to a group, organization, or country. For example, a soldier’s duty is to protect their country and fellow soldiers.
Etymology
The word “duty” has its roots in Old French, where it was derived from the Latin word “debitum,” meaning “debt of payment.” Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to encompass broader concepts of moral and social responsibility.
Usage Notes
When using the word “duty” in a sentence, it is often necessary to specify what that duty is, as the word can be ambiguous without context. For example, “My duty is to finish this project by Friday” clarifies what the speaker means by “duty.”
Cultural References
The concept of duty has appeared in numerous works of literature and art throughout history, including Shakespeare’s plays and the works of philosophers like Immanuel Kant.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“It’s my duty” – a phrase used to emphasize one’s responsibility or obligation.
Related Words or Phrases
- Responsibility
- Obligation
- Chores
- Morality
Collocations
- It is our duty to help those in need.
- A citizen’s duty is to contribute to the community.
- The military’s duty is to protect its country.
Frequency of Use
The word “duty” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in contexts related to work, family, or civic responsibilities.
Common Misspellings
- Deuty
- Duety