dutiful

/ˈdjuːtɪfl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈduːtɪfl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdü-ti-fəl also ˈdyü-/ (ame, mw)

dutiful — adjective

  • dutifulpositive
  • more dutifulcomparative
  • most dutifulsuperlative

1. showing a willing attitude to do what is expected of you, especially because you

1.形容詞B2
釋義

showing a willing attitude to do what is expected of you, especially because you feel a moral responsibility toward your family, employer, or community

例句

Clara sent a dutiful thank-you note to her grandmother after the birthday dinner.

The young apprentice performed his duties with dutiful attention to every detail.

attributive before noun: dutiful + attention

同義詞
  • conscientious

    focuses on careful attention to detail and inner moral standards rather than meeting others' expectations

  • faithful

    emphasises loyalty and reliability over a sense of duty; can apply to both people and abstract commitments

  • obedient

    stresses following orders or rules without necessarily feeling a moral obligation

  • responsible

    broader in meaning; describes general reliability without the specific connotation of deference to authority or tradition

反義詞
  • negligent

    failing to carry out expected responsibilities

  • disobedient

    refusing to follow rules or instructions

用法筆記

Often placed before a noun to describe a person's faithful behaviour in a family, work, or social role. Can also follow linking verbs such as be, remain, or stay.

常見錯誤

❌A dutiful dog always follows its owner.
✅An obedient dog always follows its owner.
💡'dutiful' describes a moral sense of responsibility in people, not automatic obedience in animals.
❌She was very dutiful about finishing her homework on time.
✅She was very diligent about finishing her homework on time.
💡'dutiful' emphasises a moral or social role expectation, not general hard work or effort.