bound
8 synonyms and 1 antonyms for bound, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Obliged to do something, often by law, duty, or promise.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use bound
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English bound/bounden, the past participle of "bind" — something "bound" was originally something tied or fastened.
Full origin of bound →Frequently asked questions
What does “bound” mean?
The word “bound” means obliged to do something, often by law, duty, or promise. In plain terms, obliged to do something, heading somewhere, certain to happen, or (as a noun) a limit; also, to leap.
How do you pronounce “bound”?
“Bound” is pronounced BOWND (/ˈbaʊ̯nd/ in IPA).
How do you use “bound” in a sentence?
Here is “bound” used in a sentence: “The company is bound by contract to deliver the goods on time.”
What is the opposite of “bound”?
The opposite of “bound” — its antonyms — is free.
What part of speech is “bound”?
Depending on how it is used, “bound” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bound” come from?
The word “bound” comes from Middle English. From Middle English bound/bounden, the past participle of "bind" — something "bound" was originally something tied or fastened.
Is “bound” a common word?
“Bound” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “bound” have?
“Bound” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: obliged to do something, often by law, duty, or promise.
What does it mean to be bound to do something?
To be bound to do something is to be obliged to do it, whether by law, duty, a promise, or strong moral pressure. A witness is bound to tell the truth; a friend may feel bound to help. It describes an obligation you cannot easily set aside without breaking a rule or your word.
What is the difference between bound and obligated?
The two are close in meaning, and both describe having to do something. Obligated is fairly neutral and often about specific duties. Bound tends to feel stronger and more binding, suggesting a tie of law, honour, or promise you cannot escape. The phrase duty-bound captures that firm, almost unbreakable sense.
Does bound have other meanings?
Yes, several. Besides meaning obliged, bound can mean tied up, as with bound hands; heading somewhere, as in a train bound for London; or a leap, as in bounding across a field. It is also the past tense of bind. Context makes clear which sense is meant.