duty

Meaning

1. (countable, uncountable) That which one is morally or legally obligated to do.
2. (uncountable) The state of being at work and responsible for or doing a particular task.
3. (countable) A tax placed on imports or exports; a tariff.
4. (countable, obsolete, uncountable) One's due, something one is owed; a debt or fee.
5. (countable, obsolete, uncountable) Respect; reverence; regard; act of respect; homage.
6. (countable, uncountable) The efficiency of an engine in work done per unit of fuel; particularly, the number of pounds of water which a steam pumping engine can raise one foot by burning one bushel or hundredweight of coal.
7. (countable, euphemistic, uncountable) The act of urination or defecation, especially for a dog.

Synonyms

obligation

responsibility

tax

task

work

business

toll

function

customs

🛃

service

charge

job

role

tariff

commitment

liability

impost

activity

assignment

office

🏢

affair

onus

mission

shift

post

burden

levy

fee

operation

commission

chore

errand

encumbrance

profession

cess

taxation

due

rate

employment

customs duty

use

revenue

custom

sense of duty

contribution

excise

assessment

dues

purpose

part

Translations

devoir

Pflicht

dovere

obligation

deber

dever

obligación

واجب

görev

Aufgabe

dazio

plicht

obligació

Zoll

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈdjuː.ti/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: -te

In summary

From Middle English duete, from Middle English dewe + Middle English -te. Equivalent to due + -ty.