ought

Definition

  • noun: moral obligation
  • archaic variant of 'aught'
  • used to indicate what is expected
  • synonyms: possess, owe, duty

Examples

  • It 'ought not' ('to') make any difference. [=(more commonly) it shouldn't make any difference]

  • Children 'ought not' [='should not'] run near the pool.

  • If my math is correct, the result 'ought to' be zero.

Movie quotes

  • (..) It's your father! Stop it! What was that all about? Mister! You shouldn't do that to your engine. You ought to take it easy, mister. You're going to burn your engine out. What the hell was all that about? Why doesn't somebody (..)
    1992 Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
  • (..) it was numb. She said she couldn't use it. Probably those drugs she was taking. I just thought I ought to tell you. Thanks. Are you talking about that little girl... that got murdered? I doubt it was a drug problem. (..)
    1992 Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me