duty

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force; ; - John D.Rockefeller Jr
noun work that you are obliged to perform for moral or legal reasons
noun a government tax on imports or exports

From Middle English duete, from Middle English dewe + Middle English -te. Equivalent to due + -ty.

Their everlasting teaching is duty. — Three men on the bummel, Jerome K. (Jerome Klapka) Jerome
“Don’t we, then, do our duty? — The Reign of Greed, José Rizal
"When shall I commence my duties?" — The Store Boy, Horatio, Jr. Alger

responsibility, obligation

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