Definition and meaning of English word "duty"
duty
/ˈdjuːti/
Meaning
NounThat which one is morally or legally obligated to do.
How to use
The word 'duty' is commonly used in formal and professional contexts, such as business, law, and government. A notable grammatical nuance is that 'duty' is often used with the preposition 'to' (e.g., 'a duty to serve one's country'), and learners should be cautious not to confuse it with 'responsibility', which can be used more broadly. In everyday conversation, 'duty' tends to connote a sense of obligation or moral imperative.
🇬🇧 English
duty
Example
We don't have a duty to keep you here.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- sense of duty— feeling of duty
- duty to serve— obligation to serve
- perform one's duty— fulfill one's duty
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #1358 in English
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common English words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "duty" mean?▼
The English word "duty" means "duty" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "duty"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "duty" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "duty"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Let's discuss the word duty." (which translates as "duty").
More Law & Society words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →