obliged

The word “obliged” means required to do something. In plain terms, either required to do something, or thankful for a favour.

“Obliged” is pronounced uh-BLYJD (/əˈblaɪd͡ʒd/ in IPA).

Here is “obliged” used in a sentence: “By law, employers are obliged to provide safety equipment.”

“Obliged” is an adjective.

“Obliged” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Obliged” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: required to do something.

Obliged and obligated are close synonyms, both meaning required to do something, and are used interchangeably in most contexts. Obliged is generally preferred in British English, while obligated is more common in American English, though both appear in each variety.

Obliged can mean required to do something, but it can also mean grateful for a favour someone has done, as in "much obliged." In this second sense it functions much like grateful, though "obliged" often signals a slightly more formal or old-fashioned register.

"Much obliged" is a polite, somewhat old-fashioned way of saying thank you, expressing that you feel grateful for a favour. It is still understood and occasionally used, especially in formal or courteous speech, though it sounds more traditional than a simple "thanks."