ought
|ought|
B2
🇺🇸
/ɔt/
🇬🇧
/ɔːt/
duty or correctness
Etymology
Etymology Information
'ought' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'āhte,' which was the past tense of 'āgan,' meaning 'to own or possess.'
Historical Evolution
'āhte' transformed into the Middle English word 'oughte,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ought.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to own or possess,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'duty or correctness.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Modal Verb 1
used to indicate duty or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions.
You ought to apologize.
Synonyms
Modal Verb 2
used to indicate a desirable or expected state.
We ought to be there by noon.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35