beholden

/bɪˈhəʊldən/ (bre, ipa) · /bɪˈhəʊldən/ (ame, ipa) · /bi-ˈhōl-dən bē-/ (ame, mw)

beholden — adjective

1. feeling that you owe someone support, thanks, or special consideration because t

1.形容詞C2
釋義

feeling that you owe someone support, thanks, or special consideration because their help, money, or influence has benefited you.

例句

After the loan, Daniel felt beholden to his uncle for years.

feel beholden to somebody for something

Maria never likes being beholden to relatives for rent money.

being beholden to somebody for something

同義詞
  • indebted

    very close in meaning, but slightly broader and not always as formal

  • obligated

    stresses duty more directly and often sounds more official

  • grateful

    warmer and softer; it does not usually suggest pressure to repay

  • dependent

    focuses on needing someone, not on owing them for a past favor

反義詞
  • independent

    not controlled by favors or help from others

  • free

    not under another person's influence or obligation

文法句型

be beholden to somebody

be beholden to somebody for something

feel beholden to somebody

become beholden to somebody

用法筆記

Formal and most often used after a linking verb such as be, feel, or become. It is common when the other person or group has money, power, or influence, and it suggests more pressure to repay or please them than grateful does.

常見錯誤

❌I am beholden to you for inviting me to dinner.
✅I am grateful to you for inviting me to dinner.
💡Use 'beholden' when a favor leaves you under obligation, not for ordinary thanks.