B1noun1K

Duty

UK /["/ˈdjuːti/"]/US /["/ˈduːti/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • responsibility
  • obligation
  • task
  • commitment
  • function

Antonyms

  • irresponsibility
  • neglect

Common mistakes

  • 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'.