oblige
/əˈblaɪd͡ʒ/ verb C1- To constrain someone by force or by social, moral or legal means. · Your carelessness obliges firmness on my part.· I am obliged to report to the police station every week.
- To do (someone) a service or favour (hence, originally, creating an obligation). · He obliged me by not parking his car in the drive.· The singer obliged(us) with an encore.
- To cause somebody to feel indebted. · I am much obliged to you for your recent help.
He/she/it obliges · Past obliged · Past participle obliged · -ing form obliging
Verb forms
- Base form
- oblige
- He/she/it
- obliges
- Past
- obliged
- Past participle
- obliged
- -ing form
- obliging
From the library
“We are never quits with those who oblige us,” was Dantès’ reply; “for when we do not owe them money, we owe them gratitude.”
Keep your money—keep it, I say;—one never has too much;—but, at the same time, my boy, I am as much obliged by your offer as if I took advantage of it.”
They were obliged to camp out that night under a large tree in the forest, for there were no houses near.
I know she was loaded with cotton, and that she took in her freight at Alexandria from Pastret’s warehouse, and at Smyrna from Pascal’s; that is all I was obliged to know, and I beg I may not be asked for any further particulars.”
Learn oblige in real texts
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