oblige
Pronunciation: /əˈblaɪdʒ/
verb
Definition of oblige
To require someone to do something by law or moral pressure
Synonyms for oblige
- compel
- require
- force
oblige in a Sentence
- Citizens are obliged to pay taxes according to the law.
Why oblige Matters for GRE & SAT
"oblige" is a verb that means "To require someone to do something by law or moral pressure" closely related to words like "compel", "require", "force". As a word starting with O, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "oblige" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "oblige" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (verb). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "oblige" into long-term memory.
How to Remember oblige
One effective way to remember "oblige" (verb) is to group it with similar words you already know: "compel" and "require" and "force". When you encounter "oblige" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "To require someone to do something by law or moral pressure".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "oblige" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with O
- obdurate — stubborn; unyielding
- obeisance — reverence for an individual
- obfuscate — obscure or confuse
- objective — Not influenced by personal feelings; based on facts
- objective — Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; impartial
- objective — A thing aimed at or sought; not influenced by personal feelings
- obligation — An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound
- oblivious — not aware of or not noticing something
- oblivious — Not aware of or concerned about what is happening around one
- obscure — Not discovered or known about; uncertain