WordGarden.ioduty
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /djˈuːti/
US
- /ˈdjuti/
Meanings
Noun
something a person is morally, legally, or socially expected to do
a task or responsibility that is part of a job or role
a tax charged on goods, especially imports or exports
More meaningsFewer meanings
active service in an official role, especially military service
Beyond the definition
Duty is not about wanting to do something; it is about what you should do, even when you do not feel like doing it. It can mean a moral or legal obligation, or a task that comes with your role, job, or situation. A soldier has a duty to defend their country, a parent has a duty to care for their child, and we all have a civic duty to obey the law. Sometimes it feels heavy, like a burden, but doing it can bring a quiet sense of satisfaction. Think of a doctor caring for patients late into the night or a teacher staying after class to help a student; they may not enjoy every moment, but a strong sense of responsibility keeps them going.
The word "duty" carries weight. It describes a moral, legal, or social obligation—something you are bound to do, not because you desire it, but because it is the right or expected thing. It's more than just a task; it's a commitment rooted in responsibility. We often use the phrase "on duty" to describe the period when someone, like a police officer or a nurse, is at their post and responsible for their assigned tasks.
Historically, "duty" was closely tied to feudal systems where people owed service and loyalty to their lords. This sense of obligation still lingers today in our professional and private lives. We speak of a soldier's duty to protect their nation, a firefighter's duty to save lives, or an employee's duty to perform their job effectively. Beyond the moral realm, "duty" also has a fiscal meaning, referring to a tax placed on imports or manufactured goods, such as a "customs duty."
But duty isn't always grand, heroic, or financial. It is found in everyday actions: the duty to tell the truth, the duty to keep promises, and the duty to treat others with respect. It can also be a personal commitment—a duty you feel toward yourself, like pursuing an education or maintaining your health.
Sometimes fulfilling one's duty requires sacrifice. A character in literature might face a difficult choice between their own happiness and their duty to family or country. This internal conflict often drives the plot forward. Shakespeare frequently explored themes of duty and honor, as seen in Hamlet, where the prince grapples with the heavy duty of avenging his father's death.
Whether it's a formal obligation, a financial levy, or a personal commitment, "duty" represents the things we are compelled to do—the responsibilities that shape our character and define our place in the world. It is the quiet force that pushes us forward even when we don't want to.
Examples
- 1
Job responsibilities
One of my duties at the hotel is checking in late guests.
- 2
Professional responsibility
Teachers have a duty to treat every student fairly.
- 3
Moral responsibility
I felt a duty to tell him the truth.
- 4
Work schedule
The nurse on duty will see you soon.
- Phraseon duty
working at that time
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Work status
He's off duty this weekend, so he won't answer work calls.
- Phraseoff duty
not working
- 6
Responsibility first
She put duty before pleasure and stayed to finish the report.
- Phraseput duty before pleasure
choose responsibility over fun
- 7
Extra effort
The firefighter was praised for going beyond the call of duty.
- Phrasebeyond the call of duty
more than someone is expected to do
- 8
Customs tax
You may have to pay duty on alcohol when you enter the country.
- Domain
in customs, duty is tax on goods brought into a country
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- sense of duty
- civic duty
- moral duty
- do one's duty
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- dutynoun
Forms
- dutiespluralnoun