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

  • (..) Who kind of a person would hurt the bubble boy? Some little bald guy from the city. Come on, Vern. Page, Preston, don't you think we ought to do something? Naomi, come on, let's get going. But that lake must be freezing. No, it's good for you. Retards the aging process. Ready to go swimming? (..)
    1992 TvShow: Seinfeld Title: The Bubble Boy Season: 4 Episode 7