oblige

������ does��oblige mean?

Oblige commonly means to politely do something for someone, as in He’s the kind of person who’s happy to oblige no matter what the request is.Someone who is accommodating in this way can be described as obliging.This sense of the word is sometimes used in a somewhat ironic way that likens a negative reaction to a polite one, as in He rudely told me to step aside and let him pass, and I was happy to oblige since I was standing in front of a huge mud puddle.Oblige also commonly means to require, compel, or constrain. This can imply a moral sense of duty or one based on conscience, as in It is her sense of duty that obliges her to make this sacrifice. Or it can imply an official or legal requirement, as in The contract obliges us to perform three nights a week.This sense of oblige is perhaps most often used in passive constructions, as in By contract, we are obliged to perform three nights a week.The similar verb obligate can be used to mean the same thing. The related noun obligation refers to a responsibility or duty that is required of someone. In other words, an obligation is something you are obliged or obligated to do. Something that’s required in such a way can be described with the related adjective obligatory.Sometimes, oblige means to put one in a debt of gratitude, such as for some favor or service. This sense of the word is especially used in the phrase much obliged, which can be used by itself as another way of saying thank you or in a sentence, as in We’re much obliged for all your hospitality.Example: There is no requirement that obliges us to help those who are less fortunate—but we should do it out of a moral obligation.