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

  • (..) Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,...for sheer dumb luck. Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Perhaps you ought to go.\Nlt might wake up. Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,-Good of you to get us out of trouble like that.\N-Mind you, we did save her life. (..)
    2001 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
  • (..) Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Troll! In the dungeon! Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Troll in the dungeon! Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Thought you ought to know. Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Silence! Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Now... (..)
    2001 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone