Set 25 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

obligation

noun/ɑːblɪˈɡeɪʃən/

definition

a requirement or duty to do something

example

As a citizen, you have an obligation to vote in elections and participate in your community.

synonyms
responsibility,duty,commitment
word origin — from Latin 'obligatio', from 'obligare' meaning 'to bind'

IELTS Vocabulary — Set 25

Set 25 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: obligation, urge, obedience, enlightenment, executive. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. obligation · noun/ɑːblɪˈɡeɪʃən/

    a requirement or duty to do something

    As a citizen, you have an obligation to vote in elections and participate in your community.

    Synonyms: responsibility,duty,commitment

    Origin: from Latin 'obligatio', from 'obligare' meaning 'to bind'

  2. urge · noun/ɜrdʒ/

    a strong desire or impulse to do something

    Despite her initial hesitation, she felt a strong urge to help the community after learning about their struggles.

    Synonyms: desire, impulse, craving

    Origin: Middle English ' Urge', from Latin 'urgere', meaning 'to press' or 'to drive'.

  3. obedience · noun/əˈbiː.diəns/

    compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority

    The dog's obedience to its owner made training sessions much easier and more enjoyable.

    Synonyms: compliance, submission, adherence

    Origin: from Old French 'obedience', from Latin 'obedientia', from 'oboedire' meaning 'to obey'

  4. enlightenment · noun/ɪnˈlaɪtənmənt/

    the state of gaining knowledge, understanding, or spiritual insight

    Many believe that meditation can lead to personal enlightenment and a deeper understanding of oneself.

    Synonyms: illumination, insight, awareness

    Origin: From the Middle English 'enlighten', derived from the Old English 'enlihtan' meaning to light up or to make clear, combining 'en-' (to make) and 'light' (to illuminate).

  5. executive · noun/ɪˈzɛkjʊtɪv/

    a person with senior managerial responsibility in a business or organization

    The executive board met weekly to discuss the company's strategic direction and financial performance.

    Synonyms: manager, director, administrator

    Origin: The word 'executive' originates from the late Latin 'executivus', meaning 'that executes', from 'exsequi', meaning 'to follow out, accomplish'.