What is duty? Pronunciation and usage in English

duty means . Learn how to pronounce and use duty through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of duty

dutynoun

/ˈdjuːti/
Definition & pronunciation of duty

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "duty" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /djuːti/ (This is the IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet representation)

Let's break that down further:

  • "dju" - This part sounds like the "dy" in "dye" or the "joo" in "juice." It’s a slightly rounded vowel sound.
  • "ti" - This sounds like the "tee" in "tea."

Putting it together, you’ll make a sound like: "DJOO-tee"

Here are some tips to help you:

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable, “dju”.
  • Don’t overemphasize the "u": It’s not a long “oo” sound like in “moon.” It's a shorter, more clipped “u” sound.
  • Listen to examples: This is the best way to learn. Here are some resources:
    • Google: Just type "how to pronounce duty" into Google and listen to the audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/duty/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce duty" – you'll find many helpful videos.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you more similar words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word duty in English

Let's break down how to use the word "duty" in English. It's a surprisingly nuanced word with a few different shades of meaning. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Meaning: Obligation & Responsibility

At its most basic, "duty" refers to a strong obligation or sense of responsibility. It's more formal and implies a moral or ethical obligation, rather than just a casual agreement.

  • Example: "It is our duty to protect the environment." (A strong moral obligation)
  • Example: "A soldier has a duty to obey orders." (A legal and moral obligation)
  • Example: "She felt a duty to look after her elderly parents." (A felt responsibility)

2. Different Types of Duties:

  • Moral Duty: This is based on ethics and conscience. You should do something because it's the right thing to do.
    • Example: "It’s our moral duty to help those in need."
  • Legal Duty: This is a duty imposed by law. You must do something, or face consequences.
    • Example: “Police officers have a legal duty to uphold the law.”
  • Professional Duty: This applies to specific professions and refers to what you must do to maintain standards and uphold your profession.
    • Example: “Doctors have a professional duty to keep their patients’ information confidential.”
  • Social Duty: This relates to the obligations we have to our community and society.
    • Example: “We have a social duty to be considerate of others.”
  • Personal Duty: This is an obligation you feel yourself, often driven by values or relationships.
    • Example: “I feel a personal duty to finish this project, even though I’m tired.”

3. Phrases and Constructions Using "Duty":

  • "It is my duty..." / "It is our duty...": Expresses a strong obligation.
  • "I have a duty to...": States a specific responsibility.
  • "Duty-bound": (adjective) Describes someone who is dedicated to fulfilling their duties. “He’s a duty-bound officer, always punctual and reliable.”
  • "To be bound by duty": To be obligated to do something.
  • "Fulfill one's duty": To carry out one's obligations.

4. Distinction from "Responsibility":

While "duty" and "responsibility" are often used interchangeably, there's a subtle difference. "Responsibility" tends to be broader and less formal. "Duty" implies a deeper, often more ingrained sense of obligation.

  • Example (Responsibility): “I have the responsibility to clean my room.” (A general task)
  • Example (Duty): “A firefighter has a duty to save lives, even in dangerous situations." (A more profound, potentially life-threatening obligation)

5. Less Common Use (Historical/Formal):

Historically, "duty" was sometimes used to refer to a specific assigned task, particularly in military contexts. However, this usage is now less frequent.

Here's a table summarizing the key aspects:

Category Meaning Example
Moral Ethical obligation "We have a moral duty to help the poor."
Legal Law-imposed obligation "Police officers have a legal duty to arrest criminals."
Professional Standards of the profession "Lawyers have a professional duty of confidentiality."
Social Obligations to community “It’s our social duty to respect elders.”
Personal Self-imposed obligation "I feel a personal duty to volunteer."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "duty"? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)
  • What specific idea are you trying to convey with the word "duty"?

Synonyms for the word duty

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