Ought

Quick meaning: Ought is a verb meaning Indicating duty or obligation.

Meaning

Indicating duty or obligation.

More Meanings

1. Indicating advisability or prudence.
2. Indicating desirability.
3. Indicating likelihood or probability.
4. A statement of what ought to be the case as contrasted with what is the case.
5. Alternative spelling of aught; anything
6. Alternative spelling of aught; at all, to any degree.
7. (obsolete) simple past of owe

Example Sentences

Do you think we ought to leave now?

I ought to vote in the coming election.

He ought to read the book; it was very good.

You ought to always stand back from the edge of the platform.

Word Forms

• oughts

Synonyms for ought

Depending on context, synonyms include should, need, must.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include should, must, need, would, could, will.

Related Dictionary Tools