What does oblige mean?
Word: Oblige
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Oblige means to make someone feel that they must do something. It can also mean to help someone by doing what they ask.
Word origin: From Latin obligare.
How do you spell oblige?
Syllables: o - blige
Tricky part: The end is the trap. It carries a j sound, so students expect a d before the g, as in bridge.
Watch out for: oblidge, obleege
Memory tip: Bridge and fridge may need a d, but you are under no obligation to add one here.
Oblige in a sentence
Example 1: School rules oblige every student to wear an identity card.
Example 2: When we asked the librarian for one more book, she was happy to oblige.
Example 3: The heavy rain will oblige the organisers to move the prize day indoors.
Fun Fact
Formal letters in India often end a request with 'I shall be highly obliged', an old-fashioned way of saying you will feel grateful.
Practise the CREST Way
Jumble Tumble
Choose the correct sequence of the jumbled letters to form a meaningful word:
gieolb 123456
a) 456213
b) 645213
c) 465213
d) 312564
Show answer
c) 465213. These six letters, taken in this order, give a verb about duty.
Back to the Roots
Choose the correct option to fill the blank:
The Latin verb obligare, the source of oblige, meant ___.
a) to carry off
b) to tie down
c) to open up
d) to call out
Show answer
b) to tie down. A duty holds you in place, much as a knot does.
Spell Probe
Choose the meaning of the misspelt word in the given sentence:
Road repairs near the market obblige the school bus to take a longer route, so pupils must now leave home ten minutes earlier.
a) a place where goods are bought and sold
b) work done to mend something damaged
c) a way from one place to another
d) to leave someone with no other choice
Show answer
d) to leave someone with no other choice. The b stays single here, and the sentence means the bus has no choice.
Word Puzzle
Match each word with a word of similar meaning:
1. oblige 2. dispute 3. vanish a. compel b. disappear c. contest
a) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b
b) 1-c, 2-b, 3-a
c) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c
d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b
Show answer
d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b. To compel is to make someone act, to contest a claim is to dispute it, and things that vanish disappear.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. If a neighbour asks for help and you oblige, what have you done?
a) done what was asked
b) passed it to someone else
c) said a firm no
d) ignored the request
Show answer
a) done what was asked
2. Which notice suggests that a rule obliges you to do something?
a) Visitors are welcome on Sundays.
b) Visitors may enjoy tea in the garden.
c) Visitors can borrow a map at the gate.
d) All visitors must sign in at the gate.
Show answer
d) All visitors must sign in at the gate.
