What is another word for ought?

Pronunciation: [ˈɔːt] (IPA)

Ought is a modal verb commonly used to indicate moral obligation or duty. However, there are various synonyms for it that can be effectively used in speech or writing. Some examples are 'should', 'must', 'need to', 'have to', 'required to', 'bound to', 'obligated to', 'compelled to' and 'ought to'. These words reflect the degree of obligation or necessity favouring different contexts. For example, 'should', 'need to' or 'ought to' may refer to moral obligation while 'must', 'have to' or 'required to' may refer to a legal or contractual obligation. Using these synonyms can add variety and precision to language use, thus making communication more effective.

Synonyms for Ought:

What are the paraphrases for Ought?

Paraphrases are restatements of text or speech using different words and phrasing to convey the same meaning.
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What are the hypernyms for Ought?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for ought?

The word "ought" is typically used to convey a sense of obligation or duty. It is often associated with words like "should," "must," and "need" which express a certain level of necessity. Therefore, the antonyms for "ought" are words that imply the opposite - that something is not necessary or required. These antonyms might include words like "optional," "unnecessary," or "discretionary." They suggest that there is a choice involved and that the action is not mandatory. Choosing between these antonyms and synonyms of "ought" can help you convey a more nuanced meaning in your writing or speech.

Usage examples for Ought

But if she has filled out as she should have, she ought to be a handsome girl.
"The Mermaid of Druid Lake and Other Stories"
Charles Weathers Bump
It ought to have been put in your sitting-room long ago.
"Jane Oglander"
Marie Belloc Lowndes
He thought he ought to tell them.
"Jane Oglander"
Marie Belloc Lowndes

Famous quotes with Ought

  • No other country in the world gives protection like that, but it is not absolute protection. People sometimes meet that high burden and win libel suits, and in those cases I think they ought to win.
    Floyd Abrams
  • There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.
    John Adams
  • I love Brazilians. Brazilians ought to be made compulsory at 15.
    Victoria Beckham
  • A true critic ought to dwell upon excellencies rather than imperfections, to discover the concealed beauties of a writer, and communicate to the world such things as are worth their observation.
    Joseph Addison
  • The philosopher ought never to try to avoid the duty of making up his mind.
    Mortimer Adler

Related words: should, ought to, should I, should you, should we, should I do that, should you do that, should we do that, should I say that, should you say that, should we say that

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