What is Duty?
Duty is a noun that signifies a moral or legal obligation, a responsibility, or a task that one is required to perform. It can also refer to the function or role of an object or entity. In certain contexts, it implies the necessity to perform a specific action due to ethical, professional, or legal expectations.
Synonyms for Duty
Synonyms for “duty” vary in strength and context. Below is a classification:
Strongest Matches (Direct Synonyms)
These words closely align with the meaning of duty and can be used interchangeably in most cases:
- Obligation
- Responsibility
- Commitment
- Charge
- Assignment
- Function
- Task
- Role
- Work
Strong Matches (Closely Related Words)
These words share a strong association with duty but may have subtle differences in usage:
- Requirement
- Accountability
- Mission
- Chore
- Obligation
- Calling
- Commitment
- Vocation
- Trust
Weak Matches (Contextually Related Words)
These words may relate to duty but imply a more specific or indirect meaning:
- Employment
- Position
- Job
- Pledge
- Expectation
- Service
- Allegiance
- Charge
- Obligation
- Function
Example Sentences Using “Duty”
To understand the word “duty” in different contexts, consider these sentences:
- Legal Context: It is the duty of the police to enforce the law and ensure public safety.
- Moral Context: She felt it was her duty to help those in need, even at personal cost.
- Professional Context: His primary duty as a doctor is to care for his patients.
- Military Context: Soldiers have a duty to protect their country and follow orders.
- Family Context: It is a parent’s duty to provide for their children’s well-being.
- Religious Context: Many faiths emphasize the duty of believers to help the less fortunate.
Contextual Usage of “Duty”
- Legal Duty: A legally enforceable obligation, such as a tax duty or fiduciary duty.
- Moral Duty: Actions expected based on ethical or societal norms.
- Professional Duty: Responsibilities associated with one’s job or profession.
- Civic Duty: Responsibilities expected of citizens, such as voting and jury duty.
- Military Duty: The obligations of military personnel in service to their country.
Related Words & Phrases
- Dutiful (adjective): Showing a sense of duty, e.g., “He is a dutiful son.”
- Dutifully (adverb): Performing duties responsibly, e.g., “She dutifully completed her assignments.”
- Duty-bound (adjective): Obligated to act in a certain way, e.g., “He was duty-bound to report the misconduct.”
- Beyond the Call of Duty (phrase): Going above and beyond expectations, e.g., “The nurse went beyond the call of duty to comfort her patient.”
- On Duty / Off Duty (phrase): Indicating if someone is currently fulfilling their work responsibilities, e.g., “The officer was off duty at the time of the accident.”
Additional Information
The concept of duty has evolved through different cultures and historical contexts. In philosophy, Kantian ethics emphasize “duty” as a fundamental principle of moral decision-making. In business, corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be viewed as a company’s duty to society. In religious traditions, duty often carries a spiritual obligation.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, meanings and applications of “duty” may vary based on context and industry. Always consult a professional or authoritative source for legal or ethical obligations.
