duty - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
duty Word Meanings
- a moral or legal obligation
- a task or action that someone is required to perform
- a responsibility towards others
duty Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
duty Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈdjuːti/
US
/ˈduːti/
duty Word Etymology
Dut- = to be firm, -y = forming nouns. Originated from Latin (deber) → Old French (devoir) → English. Picture a soldier standing firm in the face of duty, ready to take on responsibility.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the edge of the desk and push myself to stand, a plan already shifting as I notice a need. I shift a notebook, adjust the chair, and keep the task in sight as a quiet obligation I call my duty. The action feels clumsy at first, then calm, like steering a boat through a small current toward what I must do for others. When I finish, the sense of duty settles in my chest as something practical I choose to do, not a rule I hate.
Real Context
Duty is the sense of responsibility or obligation that a person feels or is legally required to fulfill. It covers both moral and legal expectations: a citizen may have a duty to pay taxes, a parent to care for children, a professional to follow rules and provide safe service. In common use, it also refers to a task or action someone is expected to perform, such as completing a shift, reporting for duty, or answering calls when on call. People often distinguish duties from rights, emphasizing commitment and accountability rather than personal preference.
Usage Reminders
- • Distinguish duty as obligation vs. a task you must perform.
- • Use duty for important, binding expectations (legal, moral, or job-related).
- • Pair with phrases like 'on duty' or 'to duty-bound' where appropriate.
- • Don’t confuse duty with right or privilege; rights are what you may have, duties are what you owe.
- • Be mindful of formal vs. informal contexts; 'duty' fits formal language and public discourse.
Common Misconceptions
- Duty is only about legal obligations, not personal beliefs or morals
- Duty always means a punishment or hard burden
- Duty is the same as a 'job' or career title
- Duty cannot apply to everyday, small tasks
- Duty and obligation are exactly the same with no nuance
Thinking Differences
Duty in English spans moral, legal, and task-based meanings; learners should distinguish obligation, responsibility, and a formal task. Mistakes include treating duty as only legal obligations or as mere routine work.
Learning Tips
- Learn the two main senses: obligation and task.
- Compare with related words: obligation, responsibility, and duty-bound.
- Practice with 'on duty' and formal announcements.
- Watch for collocations like duty-free or sense of duty.
- Note differences in legal vs. moral contexts.
- Use authentic examples from work, law, and service.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'duty'?
A.Ignorance
B.Freedom
C.Joy
D.Responsibility
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'duty' used correctly?
A.I have no duty to help others.
B.I have a duty to be selfish.
C.I have a duty to be lazy.
D.I have a duty to be unreliable.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'duty'?
A.Comfort
B.Entertainment
C.Leisure
D.Obligation
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'duty'?
A.Negligence
B.Ambition
C.Desire
D.Excitement
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context do you often encounter the concept of 'duty'?
A.Watching TV
B.Work obligations
C.Vacation
D.Playing video games
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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