Duty Meaning
Duty Definition & Usage
A moral or legal obligation or responsibility that a person is expected to fulfill.
Examples
- "It's your duty to care for your elderly parents."
- "The soldier acted out of a sense of duty to his country."
- "She felt it was her duty to speak up about the issue."
- "He failed to fulfill his duty as a leader."
- "You have a duty to tell the truth in court."
A tax or fee that must be paid on goods or services, often when importing or exporting.
Examples
- "The company is liable to pay import duty on its goods."
- "You will need to pay customs duty when your package arrives."
- "The duty on luxury items has increased this year."
- "He was fined for evading import duties."
- "The government has raised duties on alcohol and tobacco."
A ceremonial or social function, often relating to respect, etiquette, or a formal role.
Examples
- "It was her duty to host the annual dinner."
- "As the eldest child, he had the duty to lead the family in prayers."
- "The ambassador's duty was to represent his country at the summit."
- "He took on the duty of officiating at the wedding ceremony."
- "The duty of a good citizen is to vote in elections."
Cultural Context
The concept of 'duty' has been integral to various cultures throughout history, often linked to notions of responsibility, honor, and service. It has been a key theme in philosophy, ethics, and religion, influencing the laws and social norms of many societies.
The Weight of Duty
Story
The Weight of Duty
In a quiet town by the sea, there was a man named Thomas who worked as a police officer. One evening, after finishing his patrol, he received a call. A local family was in distress—the father had gone missing, and they feared he was in trouble. Thomas immediately felt the weight of his duty. As he rushed to the scene, his mind was filled with the gravity of what it meant to serve. He wasn’t just responding to a call; he was responding to the trust the community had placed in him. Hours later, after a tense search, Thomas found the man. He had gotten lost during a walk in the woods. Relieved, Thomas helped him back home, where the family embraced him. The father, tearfully grateful, said, 'I never doubted that someone would come. You are a man of duty.' The words stuck with Thomas, reminding him of the sense of responsibility that guided his every action. But his duty didn’t end there. The next day, his captain called him in. There was a report of a break-in, and they needed every officer on the job. Thomas had to leave his own family gathering early, missing the birthday dinner of his son. As he put on his uniform and left the house, he thought about the sacrifices duty demanded. His son understood—he was proud of his father, but he missed him. In the midst of duty’s demands, Thomas realized that it wasn’t just about wearing the badge or answering the call. It was about the commitment to others, the quiet moments of personal sacrifice, and the unspoken understanding that his actions would echo through the lives of those he served.
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