B1noun 1K

Duty

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈdjuːti/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈduːti/"]/

Meaning of Duty

something that you feel you have to do because it is your moral or legal responsibility

In simple words: A responsibility or job that someone must do.

Duty in a sentence

• He felt it was his duty to help the less fortunate.
• The soldier performed his duty with great honor.
• It is your duty to report any suspicious activity.
• In many cultures, family duty is taken very seriously.
• She had a duty to fulfill her promises to her friends.

How to use Duty

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Often relates to moral or legal responsibilities. Avoid using it in casual conversations where lighter terms like 'task' may fit better.

Grammar pattern

duty + to + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'do-tie'—a duty is something you tie yourself to doing.

Related words

Collocations with Duty

• contractual
• legal
• statutory
• have
• owe
• carry out
• call
• under a/​the duty
• duty of
• duty to
• a breach of duty
• do your duty by somebody
• be duty bound to do something
• light
• onerous
• day
• have
• pull
• see
• fall to somebody
• manager
• officer
• doctor
• off duty
• on duty
• the execution of your duties
• the performance of your duties
• light
• onerous
• day
• have
• pull
• see
• fall to somebody
• manager
• officer
• doctor
• off duty
• on duty
• the execution of your duties
• the performance of your duties
• heavy
• high
• low
• amount
• impose
• slap on somebody/​something
• increase
• be payable
• in duty
• duty on

Synonyms for Duty

• responsibility
• obligation
• task
• commitment
• function

Opposites of Duty

• irresponsibility
• neglect

Common mistakes with Duty

• Confused with 'dutie', incorrect spelling.
• Using 'duty' with a subject instead of a verb; 'duty to help' not 'duty help'.
• Not using it with the correct preposition, often omitting 'to'.

Frequently asked questions about Duty

What does Duty mean?

A responsibility or job that someone must do.

What is the definition of Duty?

something that you feel you have to do because it is your moral or legal responsibility

How do you use Duty in a sentence?

He felt it was his duty to help the less fortunate.

Can you give another example of Duty?

The soldier performed his duty with great honor.

What are synonyms for Duty?

Common alternatives include responsibility, obligation, task, commitment, function.

What is the opposite of Duty?

Opposite meanings include irresponsibility, neglect.

What words go with Duty?

It commonly pairs with contractual, legal, statutory, have, owe, carry out, call, under a/​the duty, duty of, duty to, a breach of duty, do your duty by somebody, be duty bound to do something, light, onerous, day, have, pull, see, fall to somebody, manager, officer, doctor, off duty, on duty, the execution of your duties, the performance of your duties, light, onerous, day, have, pull, see, fall to somebody, manager, officer, doctor, off duty, on duty, the execution of your duties, the performance of your duties, heavy, high, low, amount, impose, slap on somebody/​something, increase, be payable, in duty, duty on.

What are common mistakes when using Duty?

Confused with 'dutie', incorrect spelling. Using 'duty' with a subject instead of a verb; 'duty to help' not 'duty help'. Not using it with the correct preposition, often omitting 'to'.

How do you pronounce Duty?

US: /["/ˈduːti/"]/, UK: /["/ˈdjuːti/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Duty?

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Often relates to moral or legal responsibilities. Avoid using it in casual conversations where lighter terms like 'task' may fit better.

What CEFR level is Duty?

"Duty" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.