Duties
ˈduːtiz
Definitions
2 meaningsA moral or legal obligation; a responsibility.
ˈduːtiz
Moral or legal obligations
The soldier fulfilled his duties with courage.
💡 Simply: Duties are the things you're supposed to do, like chores at home or responsibilities at work. They're the tasks you have to complete because you're expected to.
👶 For kids: Duties are things you HAVE to do because they're important.
More Examples
She has many duties at her job, including managing the team and writing reports.
Parents have a duty to care for their children.
How It's Used
"The company has a duty to protect its employees."
"It is your duty to help those in need."
"Fulfilling one's duties as a citizen is crucial for a well-functioning society."
A tax levied on the import or export of goods.
ˈduːtiz
A tax on imported or exported goods
The import duties on electronics were increased.
💡 Simply: Duties can also mean taxes you pay on things coming into or going out of a country. It's like a price tag set by the government.
👶 For kids: Duties can also mean taxes you pay on things when you buy from or sell to other countries.
More Examples
Customs officials collect duties at the border.
The government imposed high duties on luxury goods.
How It's Used
"The government imposed duties on imported cars."
"Companies must pay customs duties when importing goods."
Idioms & expressions
above and beyond the call of duty
Exceeding the minimum expectations or requirements of a job or responsibility, often involving great personal effort or risk.
"The firefighter went above and beyond the call of duty to save the cat from the burning building."
From Middle English *dute*, from Old French *dute* (devoir, 'duty, obligation'), from Latin *debitum* ('debt'), past participle of *debere* ('to owe').
The word 'duty' has been used for centuries to refer to obligations and responsibilities. The concept of paying taxes or 'duties' on goods is also very old, dating back to ancient civilizations.
Memory tip
Think of your 'duty' as what you 'do' daily to fulfill your responsibilities.
Word Origin
"debt, something owed"