'obliging' originates from the Latin word 'obligare,' where 'ob-' meant 'toward' and 'ligare' meant 'to bind.'

'obligare' transformed into the Old French word 'obligier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'oblige,' from which 'obliging' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'to bind or commit,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'willing to do a service or kindness.'