duty
Translation
duty, responsibility, task, tax
Examples
It is my duty to help you.
It is my duty to help you.
The nurse is on duty tonight.
The nurse is on duty tonight.
You have to pay duty on these goods.
You have to pay duty on these goods.
Grammar Patterns
((a duty)) ((to-inf)) a responsibility to do something It is my duty to help you.
((on duty)) working at a particular time The nurse is on duty tonight.
((duty)) ((on sth.)) a tax on something You have to pay duty on these goods.
Similar Words
Synonyms: obligation, responsibility, task, tax
Etymology
From Old French 'deu' (owed), from Latin 'debere' (to owe). Something that is owed.
Memory Tips
Remember the two main meanings: a moral task ('Call of Duty') and a tax (duty-free shops).