ought

ought · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Used to indicate duty or correctness.

  2. 2.

    Used to indicate what is probable.

  3. 3.

    Used to indicate advisability.

Related words

See also: must, owe, should
Synonyms: must, should

Etymology

From Old English āhte, past tense of āgan meaning "to own, possess, owe" (which also gives us own and owe). Originally meant "owed" or "was obliged to," which developed into the modern sense of moral obligation or advisability.