noun

duties

DYOO-teez

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Duties (noun) means plural of duty: the specific tasks and responsibilities a person is required to carry out as part of a job or role. Example: “Her duties include opening the shop and cashing up at close.”

noun

Plural of duty: the specific tasks and responsibilities a person is required to carry out as part of a job or role.

"Her duties include opening the shop and cashing up at close."

"He was relieved of his duties pending an investigation."

Plural of duty: taxes charged by a government on goods, especially goods being imported or exported.

"Customs duties on imported steel rose sharply this year."

"You pay no duties on goods bought within the trade bloc."

Plural of duty: moral obligations, the things a person feels bound to do.

"He spoke of the duties we owe to future generations."

How to use duties

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe jobs you have to do, or taxes charged on goods.

Memory tip

Note the spelling change: duty becomes duties, not 'dutys'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

duty → tariffs taxes obligations

Common pairings

duties include official duties light duties customs duties duties and responsibilities relieved of his duties

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ include opening the shop and cashing up at close.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman 'duete', from Old French 'deu' (owed), ultimately from Latin 'debere' (to owe).

Origin: Anglo-Norman

Synonyms

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responsibilities tasks obligations functions remit tariffs levies customs charges excise moral obligations commitments

Related words

tax table strike scope customs jurisdiction scratch liabilities

Rhymes for duties

lies dies flies Aries Fries series ladies rabies undies Davies movies Indies

See all rhymes for duties →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between duties and responsibilities?

Duties are the concrete tasks you are required to perform, such as filing reports or locking up. Responsibilities are the broader outcomes you are answerable for, such as the safety of the team. In job adverts the two words are often used interchangeably.

What are customs duties?

They are taxes a government charges on goods crossing its border, usually on imports. The rate depends on the type of goods and where they come from, and the importer normally pays before the shipment is released.

What is the meaning of duties?

"duties" (noun) means plural of duty: the specific tasks and responsibilities a person is required to carry out as part of a job or role.

What is another word for duties?

Other words for "duties" include responsibilities, tasks, obligations, functions, remit, tariffs.

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tax table strike scope customs jurisdiction scratch liabilities