Obliging Meaning and Definition
Obliging
Pronunciation
/əˈblaɪɡɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Willing to please or help others; accommodating and cooperative.
Examples
- She was an obliging host, making sure all her guests felt welcome.
- He was an obliging colleague, always willing to lend a hand.
Synonyms
- Accommodating
- Cooperative
- Helpful
Antonyms
- Uncooperative
- Obstinate
- Unhelpful
Additional Information
The word “obliging” is often used to describe someone who is willing to go out of their way to help others. It can also be used to describe a situation or circumstance that is favorable or convenient. For example, “The obliging weather made it perfect for a picnic.” In this sense, the word is similar to “favorable” or “convenient,” but it tends to emphasize the positive or helpful aspect of the situation.
In everyday language, “obliging” is often used to express gratitude or appreciation for someone’s help or cooperation. For example, “Thanks for being so obliging and helping me move.” In this context, the word is similar to “thanks” or “appreciate,” but it tends to emphasize the specific action or behavior that is being thanked or appreciated.
In formal or professional settings, “obliging” may be used to describe a policy or procedure that is designed to be helpful or accommodating. For example, “The company has an obliging return policy that allows customers to return goods within 30 days.” In this sense, the word is similar to “customer-friendly” or “flexible,” but it tends to emphasize the specific aspects of the policy or procedure that are designed to be helpful or convenient.
Etymology
The word “obliging” comes from the Old French word “obligier,” which means “to bind or tie.” This word is derived from the Latin word “obligare,” which means “to bind or tie.” The word “obliging” has been used in English since the 15th century to describe someone or something that is willing to help or accommodate others.
Usage Notes
The word “obliging” is often used in formal or professional settings to describe someone or something that is willing to help or accommodate others. It can also be used in everyday language to express gratitude or appreciation for someone’s help or cooperation.
When using the word “obliging,” it’s often helpful to consider the context in which it is being used. For example, in a formal or professional setting, the word may be used to describe a policy or procedure that is designed to be helpful or accommodating. In everyday language, the word may be used to express gratitude or appreciation for someone’s help or cooperation.
Cultural References
The word “obliging” has been used in a variety of cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, in the novel “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, the character of Mr. Darcy is described as being “obliging” to his sister, Georgiana. In the song “Obliging” by the band The National, the lyrics describe a person who is willing to go out of their way to help others.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are several idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “obliging.” For example, “obliging someone a favor” means to do something for someone as a favor. “Obliging someone’s request” means to grant someone’s request or wish.
Related Words or Phrases
There are several words or phrases that are related to “obliging” in meaning or usage. For example, “accommodating,” “cooperative,” and “helpful” are all words that describe someone or something that is willing to help or accommodate others.
Collocations
There are several common word combinations that include the word “obliging.” For example, “obliging host,” “obliging colleague,” and “obliging weather” are all common collocations that describe someone or something that is willing to help or accommodate others.
Frequency of Use
The word “obliging” is not typically considered a common word in everyday language. However, it is often used in formal or professional settings to describe someone or something that is willing to help or accommodate others.
Common Misspellings
There are several common misspellings of the word “obliging.” Some common misspellings include “obligin,” “obligen,” and “obligingg.” It’s often helpful to double-check the spelling of the word in a dictionary or other reference source to ensure accuracy.