What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Oblige vs Onus - What's the difference?

oblige | onus |

As a verb oblige

is to constrain someone by force or by social, moral or legal means.

As a noun onus is

a legal obligation.

oblige

English

Verb

(oblig)
  • To constrain someone by force or by social, moral or legal means.
  • I am obliged to report to the police station every week.
    {{quote-Fanny Hill, part=3 , Tho' he was some time awake before me, yet did he not offer to disturb a repose he had given me so much occasion for; but on my first stirring, which was not till past ten o'clock, I was oblig'd to endure one more trial of his manhood.}}
  • To do someone a service or favour (hence, originally, creating an obligation).
  • He obliged me by not parking his car in the drive.
  • *
  • To be indebted to someone.
  • I am obliged to you for your recent help.
  • To do a service or favour.
  • The singer obliged with another song.

    Derived terms

    * disoblige

    Usage notes

    "Obliged" has largely replaced "obligate"; the latter being more common in the the 17th through 19th centuries.The New Fowler’s Modern English Usage (1996)

    Anagrams

    *

    onus

    English

    Noun

  • A legal obligation.
  • The onus is on the landlord to make sure the walls are protected from mildew.
  • (uncountable) Burden of proof, onus probandi
  • The onus is on those who disagree with my proposal to explain why.
  • Stigma.
  • *
  • Blame.
  • *
  • Responsibility; burden.
  • *
  • Anagrams

    * ----