obligate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "obligate" is correct and usable in written English.
This word has a few meanings, including to "oblige" or "force someone to do something" and to "bind oneself to an agreement". For example, you could say: "We were obligated to follow the terms of our contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And of course, power alone cannot obligate one, inasmuch as obligation assumes that one cannot meaningfully do otherwise.

SEP

Contract can remain distinct from tort only insofar as intentions specifically to obligate play a central role in contractual obligations.

SEP

Some have objected that hypothetical agreements cannot bind or obligate people; only actual contracts or agreements can impose obligations and commitments (Dworkin, 1977, 150ff).

SEP

We usually and willingly conclude separate memorandums of understanding that obligate us under regional or global fish-quota systems.Concerning the recent fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman, Hong Shi-cheng, by the Philippine coastguard, the tragic event happened in overlapping economic zones between Taiwan and the Philippines.

The Economist

All holoparasites are, by definition, obligate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This delightful organism is actually an obligate parasite and cannot photosynthesize on its own.

Britannica

Examples of obligate parasites are the downy mildews, the powdery mildews, and the rusts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most species of free-living protozoans appear to be obligate aerobes (they cannot survive without oxygen).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Trichomonads are closely related to the hypermastigotes, a group of anaerobes that are obligate symbionts of wood-digesting insects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tarpons are obligate air breathers, dying from asphyxiation if prevented from reaching the surface, an unusual condition for a species in which adults normally inhabit well-oxygenated waters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both viruses and viroids are obligate parasites i.e., they are able to multiply or replicate only within a living cell of a particular host.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obligate", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean to impose a duty or acknowledge a necessary condition. Consider the nuance between moral, legal, and practical obligations.

Common error

Avoid using "obligate" when a weaker term like "encourage" or "suggest" is more appropriate. Overstating the sense of duty can create unintended implications.

Linguistic Context

The word "obligate" functions primarily as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It signifies the act of binding someone morally, legally, or socially to do something. It can also function as an adjective, describing something that is absolutely indispensable. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obligate" functions as both a verb and an adjective, primarily conveying a sense of duty or necessity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in formal and scientific contexts, indicating a strong, often legally or morally binding obligation. While "obligate" can be interchanged with alternatives like "compel" or "oblige", choosing the most appropriate term depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "obligate" when you want to express a clear, unavoidable duty or when describing something as absolutely essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oblige

Similar to obligate, but can also imply a sense of gratitude.

compel

Implies forcing someone to do something.

require

Suggests a necessity or condition that must be met.

bind

Indicates a legal or moral constraint.

constrain

Suggests limiting someone's freedom or action.

hold accountable

Emphasizes responsibility for one's actions.

make responsible

Highlights the act of assigning responsibility.

force

Indicates direct coercion or compulsion.

commit

Implies dedication or pledge to a cause.

necessitate

Suggests that something is indispensable or unavoidable.

FAQs

How is "obligate" used in a sentence?

The word "obligate" can be used to express a legal, moral, or social duty, such as "The contract "obligated" the company to provide health insurance" or "Citizens feel "obligated" to vote in elections".

What can I say instead of "obligate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "require", "compel", "bind", or "oblige" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "obligate" or "obligated"?

"Obligate" is the base form of the verb and an adjective. "Obligated" is the past tense and past participle form, used when referring to a duty that has been imposed.

What's the difference between "obligate" and "oblige"?

"Obligate" generally implies a stronger, more formal or legal duty. "Oblige" can also mean to do a favor or kindness.