Better word for ought

What is another word for Ought?

  • auxiliary verb, responsibility

  • responsibility, assurance

Use filters to view other words, we have 287 synonyms for ought.

Synonyms for ought

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shouldn't, judgment, thought should, judgment, thought

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Prefixes of ought

  • thought

    • noun the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
      idea.
      • it was not a good idea
      • the thought never entered my mind
    • noun the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
      cerebration; thinking; mentation; intellection; thought process.
      • thinking always made him frown
      • she paused for thought

    • More ‘thought’ Meaning
    • thought Idioms/Phrases
    • thought Associated Words
    • thought Prefix/Suffix Words
    • thought Related Words
  • bring

    • verb take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
      take; convey.
      • Bring me the box from the other room
      • Take these letters to the boss
      • This brings me to the main point
    • verb cause to come into a particular state or condition
      • Long hard years of on the job training had brought them to their competence
      • bring water to the boiling point

    • More ‘bring’ Meaning
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  • sought

    • adjective that is looked for
      • the long sought relatives
    • verb try to get or reach
      seek.
      • seek a position
      • seek an education
      • seek happiness

    • More ‘sought’ Meaning
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  • buy

    • noun an advantageous purchase
      steal; bargain.
      • she got a bargain at the auction
      • the stock was a real buy at that price
    • verb obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
      purchase.
      • The family purchased a new car
      • The conglomerate acquired a new company
      • She buys for the big department store

    • More ‘buy’ Meaning
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  • fight

    • noun a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
      battle; engagement; conflict.
      • Grant won a decisive victory in the battle of Chickamauga
      • he lost his romantic ideas about war when he got into a real engagement
    • noun the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
      scrap; combat; fighting.
      • a fight broke out at the hockey game
      • there was fighting in the streets
      • the unhappy couple got into a terrible scrap

    • More ‘fight’ Meaning
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    • fought Prefix/Suffix Words
    • fought Related Words
  • drought

    • noun a shortage of rainfall
      drouth.
      • farmers most affected by the drought hope that there may yet be sufficient rain early in the growing season
    • noun a prolonged shortage
      drouth.
      • when England defeated Pakistan it ended a ten-year drought

    • More ‘drought’ Meaning
    • drought Associated Words
    • drought Prefix/Suffix Words
    • drought Related Words
  • wrought

    • adjective satellite shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)
      molded; shaped.
      • a shaped handgrip
      • the molded steel plates
      • the wrought silver bracelet
    • verb exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
      work.
      • I will work hard to improve my grades
      • she worked hard for better living conditions for the poor

    • More ‘wrought’ Meaning
    • wrought Idioms/Phrases
    • wrought Associated Words
    • wrought Prefix/Suffix Words
    • wrought Related Words
  • afterthought

    • noun thinking again about a choice previously made
      rethink; second thought; reconsideration.
      • he had second thoughts about his purchase
    • noun an addition that was not included in the original plan
      • the garage was an afterthought

    • More ‘afterthought’ Meaning
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    • afterthought Related Words
  • nought

    • noun a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number
      0; zero; cipher; cypher.

    • More ‘nought’ Meaning
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  • forethought

    • noun planning or plotting in advance of acting
      premeditation.
    • noun judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger
      precaution; caution; care.
      • he exercised caution in opening the door
      • he handled the vase with care

    • More ‘forethought’ Meaning
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    • forethought Related Words
  • beseech

    • verb ask for or request earnestly
      bid; entreat; press; adjure; conjure.
      • The prophet bid all people to become good persons

    • More ‘beseech’ Meaning
    • besought Associated Words
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  • overwrought

    • adjective satellite deeply agitated especially from emotion
      distraught.
      • distraught with grief

    • More ‘overwrought’ Meaning
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  • bethink

    • verb cause oneself to consider something
    • verb consider or ponder something carefully
      • She bethought her of their predicament

    • More ‘bethink’ Meaning
    • bethought Associated Words
    • bethought Related Words
  • rethink

    • noun thinking again about a choice previously made
      second thought; afterthought; reconsideration.
      • he had second thoughts about his purchase
    • verb change one’s mind
      • He rethought his decision to take a vacation

    • More ‘rethink’ Meaning
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    • rethought Related Words
  • dreadnought

    • noun battleship that has big guns all of the same caliber
      dreadnaught.

    • More ‘dreadnought’ Meaning
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  • unthought

    • adjective satellite so unexpected as to have not been imagined
      unhoped; unhoped-for; unthought-of.
      • an unhoped-for piece of luck
      • an unthought advantage
      • an unthought-of place to find the key

    • More ‘unthought’ Meaning
    • unthought Idioms/Phrases
    • unthought Associated Words
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    • unthought Related Words
  • unsought

    • adjective satellite not desired
      undesired.
      • an undesired result

    • More ‘unsought’ Meaning
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  • aforethought

    • adjective satellite planned in advance
      planned; plotted.
      • with malice aforethought

    • More ‘aforethought’ Meaning
    • aforethought Idioms/Phrases
    • aforethought Associated Words
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  • may

    • noun thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern North America
      English hawthorn; Crataegus oxycantha; whitethorn; Crataegus laevigata.
    • noun the month following April and preceding June

    • More ‘may’ Meaning
    • mought Associated Words
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  • inwrought

    • adjective satellite having a decorative pattern worked or woven in
      • an inwrought design

    • More ‘inwrought’ Meaning
    • inwrought Associated Words
    • inwrought Related Words
  • outfight

    • verb to fight better than; get the better of
      • the Rangers outfought the Maple Leafs
      • The French forces outfought the Germans

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    • outfought Related Words
  • merrythought

    The forked bone of a fowl’s breast; — called also wishbone. See Furculum. ✍ It is a sportive custom for two persons to break this bone by pulling the ends apart to see who will get the longer piece, the securing of which is regarded as a lucky omen, signifying that the person holding it will obtain the gratification of some secret wish.


    • More ‘merrythought’ Meaning
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Suffixes of ought


Derived words of ought

  • thought

    • noun the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
      idea.
      • it was not a good idea
      • the thought never entered my mind
    • noun the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
      cerebration; thinking; mentation; intellection; thought process.
      • thinking always made him frown
      • she paused for thought

    • More ‘thought’ Meaning
    • thoughts Associated Words
    • thoughts Prefix/Suffix Words
    • thoughts Related Words
  • thoughtful

    • adjective satellite having intellectual depth
      • a deeply thoughtful essay
    • adjective exhibiting or characterized by careful thought
      • a thoughtful paper

    • More ‘thoughtful’ Meaning
    • thoughtful Associated Words
    • thoughtful Prefix/Suffix Words
    • thoughtful Related Words
  • houghton

    • noun United States publisher who founded a printing shop that became an important book publisher (1823-1895)
      Henry Oscar Houghton.
    • noun a town in northwest Michigan on the Upper Peninsula

    • More ‘houghton’ Meaning
    • houghton Idioms/Phrases
    • houghton Associated Words
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    • houghton Related Words
  • thoughtfully

    • adverb in a thoughtful manner
      • he stared thoughtfully out the window
    • adverb showing consideration and thoughtfulness
      • he had thoughtfully brought with him some food to share

    • More ‘thoughtfully’ Meaning
    • thoughtfully Associated Words
    • thoughtfully Related Words
  • thoughtless

    • adjective showing lack of careful thought
      • the debate turned into thoughtless bickering
    • adjective satellite without care or thought for others; `Let them eat cake'»
      unthinking; uncaring.
      • the thoughtless saying of a great princess on being informed that the people had no bread

    • More ‘thoughtless’ Meaning
    • thoughtless Associated Words
    • thoughtless Prefix/Suffix Words
    • thoughtless Related Words
  • drought

    • noun a shortage of rainfall
      drouth.
      • farmers most affected by the drought hope that there may yet be sufficient rain early in the growing season
    • noun a prolonged shortage
      drouth.
      • when England defeated Pakistan it ended a ten-year drought

    • More ‘drought’ Meaning
    • droughts Associated Words
    • droughts Related Words
  • thoughtfulness

    • noun a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
      contemplation; reflection; reflexion; rumination; musing.
    • noun kind and considerate regard for others
      consideration; considerateness.
      • he showed no consideration for her feelings

    • More ‘thoughtfulness’ Meaning
    • thoughtfulness Associated Words
    • thoughtfulness Related Words
  • doughty

    Able; strong; valiant; redoubtable; as, a doughty hero.

    Sir Thopas wex [grew] a doughty swain. Chaucer.

    Doughty families, hugging old musty quarrels to their hearts, buffet each other from generation to generation. Motley.

    ✍ Now seldom used, except in irony or burlesque.


    • More ‘doughty’ Meaning
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    • doughty Related Words
  • thoughtlessly

    • adverb in a thoughtless manner
      unthinkingly; unthinking.
      • he stared thoughtlessly at the picture
    • adverb showing thoughtlessness
      • he treated his parents thoughtlessly

    • More ‘thoughtlessly’ Meaning
    • thoughtlessly Associated Words
    • thoughtlessly Related Words
  • thoughtlessness

    • noun the quality of failing to be considerate of others
      inconsiderateness; inconsideration.
    • noun the trait of not thinking carefully before acting
      unthoughtfulness.

    • More ‘thoughtlessness’ Meaning
    • thoughtlessness Associated Words
    • thoughtlessness Related Words
  • afterthought

    • noun thinking again about a choice previously made
      rethink; second thought; reconsideration.
      • he had second thoughts about his purchase
    • noun an addition that was not included in the original plan
      • the garage was an afterthought

    • More ‘afterthought’ Meaning
    • afterthoughts Associated Words
    • afterthoughts Related Words
  • dreadnought

    • noun battleship that has big guns all of the same caliber
      dreadnaught.

    • More ‘dreadnought’ Meaning
    • dreadnoughts Associated Words
    • dreadnoughts Prefix/Suffix Words
    • dreadnoughts Related Words
  • nought

    • noun a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number
      0; zero; cipher; cypher.

    • More ‘nought’ Meaning
    • noughts Associated Words
    • noughts Prefix/Suffix Words
    • noughts Related Words
  • boughten

    • adjective satellite purchased; not homemade
      store-bought.
      • my boughten clothes
      • a store-bought dress

    • More ‘boughten’ Meaning
    • boughten Associated Words
    • boughten Related Words
  • thought

    • noun the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
      idea.
      • it was not a good idea
      • the thought never entered my mind
    • noun the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
      cerebration; thinking; mentation; intellection; thought process.
      • thinking always made him frown
      • she paused for thought

    • More ‘thought’ Meaning
    • thoughted Related Words
  • unthoughtful

    • adjective satellite not exhibiting or characterized by careful thought
      unthinking; unreflective.

    • More ‘unthoughtful’ Meaning
    • unthoughtful Associated Words
    • unthoughtful Related Words




Ezoic

About Prefix and Suffix Words

This page lists all the words created by adding prefixes, suffixes to the word `ought`. For each word, youwill notice a blue bar below the word. The longer the blue bar below a word, the more common/popular the word. Very short blue bars indicate rare usage.

While some of the words are direct derivations of the word `ought`, some are not.

You can click on each word to see it’s meaning.


Asked by: Yasmin Wolf

Score: 4.4/5
(15 votes)

In this page you can discover 16 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for should, like: ought-to, must, could, shall, would, might, will, may, do, need to and intend-to.

What is a better word for should?

must, need, ought (to), shall.

Is should a good word?

While should is a bad word to use with regard to our own actions, it’s equally dangerous to use when directed at others. When we tell others what they should do, we extend our judgment on to them. … We don’t know what others should do so there’s no reason to use words that suggest otherwise.

What is the different between should and shall?

‘Shall’ is used in formal writing and expresses future tense. ‘Should’ is used in informal writing mainly, and as the past tense of ‘Shall’. ‘Shall’ is used to express ideas and laws. ‘Should’ is used to express personal opinions and desires, and primarily to give advice.

What is the difference between must and shall?

The word ‘shall’ is usually noted to be used when a sentence wishes to carry something, which would take place in the future. … This word is also used to indicate that something has to happen. The word ‘must’ emphasizes a sentence that wishes to convey something to be for sure or mandatory done at a specific time.

26 related questions found

Why you should never use the word should?

Shoulds are an active form of self-criticism. They suggest that we don’t accept who or where we are. When we criticise and reject ourselves (even in such a subtle manner as when using the word should) we create anxiety and stress in our minds and bodies.

Why the word try is bad?

Eliminate the word try from your vocabulary.

Language is subtle. … Using the wrong language can create an outcome we don’t intend. Try is a worthless word that accomplishes nothing. It might make us feel better when we fail, but it actually induces the kind of behavior that leads to failure.

Is it rude to say you should?

How does it make you feel when someone says that? In English we need to be careful about using the phrases “You should” and “You need to” because if they are used at the wrong time and with the wrong tone of voice they can sound bossy and rude.

What is the antonym of should?

Verb. ▲ Opposite of to have an obligation to. should not. shouldn’t.

Is the word ought formal?

The subject and ought to change position to form questions. … The question form of ought to is not very common. It is very formal. We usually use should instead.

What is the most hurtful thing to say to a guy?

The most hurtful thing to say to a guy is to tell him he is a lazy husband, a selfish boyfriend or he is trying to control you and not letting you fly. But when you cool down you realise all the things he is doing for you always but the worse words have already been uttered.

Is if you say so rude?

Another offensive phrase: “If you say so.” This phrase is sarcasm in the form of insincere agreement. “If you say so” doesn’t mean that what’s being said is true – only that it’s being said. … The top offensive phrase: “Shut up.” Simply put — It’s a harsh way to silence someone, and it conveys extreme disrespect.

What do you want is it rude?

If you say to someone ‘what do you want? ‘, you are asking them in a rather rude or angry way why they have come to the place where you are or why they want to speak to you. ‘What do you want!’ she whispered savagely.

What is the difference between doing and trying?

“Trying” to do is different than doing and different than not doing. Trying lets us off the hook – we don’t have to succeed and we don’t have to fail. We don’t have to really do anything.

Why do people say try?

In summary: When try is used to mean «to make an attempt at» it’s often followed by an infinitive phrase, as in «try to explain.» A lot of people don’t like it when and appears in place of the to: «try and explain.» There is, however, nothing wrong with try and, and you should feel free to use it.

What is the difference between try to and try doing?

‘Try doing’ is about getting results, achieving a successful outcome. Try to do’ is about making an effort. I’m trying to change this lightbulb but I can’t reach. We often use ‘try to do’ when we think something is hard.

Is obviously a bad word?

“Obviously” is a purely destructive word. It’s commonly used when a new concept or idea is being built of pre-existing notions. As a teacher, these prerequisites for understanding might seem simple and, well, obvious.

When should we use the word should?

‘Should’ can be used:

  • To express something that is probable. Examples: “John should be here by 2:00 PM.” “He should be bringing Jennifer with him.
  • To ask questions. Examples: “Should we turn left at this street?” …
  • To show obligation, give recommendation or even an opinion. Examples: “You should stop eating fast food.”

Is the word shall mandatory?

Shall is an imperative command, usually indicating that certain actions are mandatory, and not permissive. This contrasts with the word “may,” which is generally used to indicate a permissive provision, ordinarily implying some degree of discretion.

Is a requirement a law?

Legal Requirement means any law, statute, ordinance, decree, requirement, order, judgment, rule, regulation (or interpretation of any of the foregoing) of, and the terms of any license or permit issued by, any Governmental Authority.

What is the difference between shall and will in a contract?

Traditionally, conventions dictate that: ‘Will’ when used in the first person, conveys an obligation, whereas ‘shall’ merely a future intention. Conversely, when used in the second or third person, ‘will’ conveys a future obligation, whilst ‘shall’ imports compulsion and obligation.

What is the meanest thing you can say?

60 People Share The Most Soul-Crushingly Cruel Thing Anyone Ever Said To Them

  1. “You will end up alone.” …
  2. “I wish you hadn’t failed.” …
  3. “If I was your best friend I would have killed myself, too.” …
  4. “I hope they never find your dad and I hope he’s dead.” …
  5. “My life would be so much better if you were never born.”

What are the 4 words to never say to a man?

But you have to understand that while most men accept that communication is important, we still dread those four words.

  • «Mom is coming over.»
  • «When is Date Night.»
  • «I think I’m late.»
  • «Do I look fat?»
  • «Did I wake you?»
  • «Be honest with me.»
  • «Who are you texting?
  • «Don’t talk to me.»*

Модальные глаголы (modals) – одна из главных тем в грамматике английского языка. Можно оставить на потом (put off) изучение Future Perfect, Present Perfect Continuous или Verb Patterns, но не modals! Как бы вы ни старались обогатить словарный запас, уровень ваших знаний останется на начальной ступени, если не использовать их.

Рассмотрим правила употребления и изучим различия между следующими глаголами:

  • Should
  • Ought to
  • Had better

Они в английском языке служат для выражения обязательств и рекомендаций. Например: you should/ought to finish your homework before you go out. Тебе следует закончить домашнюю работу прежде чем идти гулять.

Казалось бы, should и ought to – практически одинаковы. Тем не менее, между ними есть ряд различий. Should используется чаще для выражения рекомендаций авторитетного источника.

The manual says that the computer should be disconnected from the power supply before the cover is removed. В инструкции сказано, что компьютер должен быть отключен от источника питания до того, как будет снята крышка.

Ought to используется чаще для выражения обязательств: The project ought to be ready by now. Проект должен быть уже готов.

В вопросах, особенно в специальных вопросах (wh-questions), используется should:

  • What should I do if I have any problems? Что мне делать, если у меня возникнут проблемы?
  • Should I ring you at home? Стоит ли мне звонить тебе домой?

Что же каcается had better, то здесь всё довольно просто. В разговорном или неформальном общении для выражения того, что что-то есть хорошая идея (It’s a good idea) используют именно had better:

If you’re not well, you’d better go home. Если тебе плохо, тебе лучше пойти домой.

Для выражения сожаления о том, что не случилось в прошлом, или ожидания того, что могло или может произойти, используют should/ought to + have + past participle:

We should have waited for the rain to stop. Нам следовало подождать, пока закончится дождь (но мы этого не сделали).

If the flight was on time, he ought to have arrived in Moscow early this morning. Если полёт был совершён вовремя, он должен был прибыть в Москву рано утром.

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auxiliary verb

(used to express duty or moral obligation): Every citizen ought to help.

(used to express justice, moral rightness, or the like): He ought to be punished. You ought to be ashamed.

(used to express propriety, appropriateness, etc.): You ought to be home early. We ought to bring her some flowers.

(used to express probability or natural consequence): That ought to be our train now.

noun

QUIZ

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Which sentence is correct?

Origin of ought

1

First recorded before 900; Middle English ought, aught, Old English āhte, past tense of āgan “to owe”

synonym study for ought

usage note for ought

Ought1 forms its negative in a number of ways. Ought not occurs in all types of speech and writing and is fully standard: The conferees ought not to waste time on protocol. Oughtn’t, largely a spoken form, is found mainly in the Midland and Southern dialects of the United States, where it is almost the universal form. Hadn’t ought is a common spoken form in the Northern dialect area. It is sometimes condemned in usage guides and is uncommon in educated speech except of the most informal variety. Didn’t ought and shouldn’t ought are considered nonstandard.
Both positive and negative forms of ought are almost always followed by the infinitive form: We ought to go now. You ought not to worry about it. Occasionally, to is omitted after the negative construction: Congress ought not adjourn without considering this bill.

Words nearby ought

Oudh, Oudry, Oudtshoorn, Ouémé, Ouessant, ought, oughtlins, oughtn’t, ouguiya, oui, Ouida

Other definitions for ought (2 of 2)

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to ought

concern, need, tax, engagement, guarantee, pledge, promise, responsibility, burden, business, charge, chore, commission, commitment, contract, function, job, obligation, office, role

How to use ought in a sentence

  • There was a string, dating back to the late oughts, when I rarely missed one.

  • When companies do bad things they ought to be held accountable for them.

  • We ought to seek Chinese cooperation in a response to this North Korean act of aggression.

  • Then when we arrive at his flat in Shepherd’s Bush following the escape, perhaps there ought to be remnants of the ladder.

  • The officers explained that those Sikhs had been lynched to death and that Singh ought to anticipate the same fate for himself.

  • “Novelist good for nothing else,” said Samuel Beckett, and that ought to be taken as a compliment.

  • And is this a mere fantastic talk, or is this a thing that could be done and that ought to be done?

  • I, therefore, deliver it as a maxim, that whoever desires the character of a proud man ought to conceal his vanity.

  • When we speak against one capital vice, we ought to speak against its opposite; the middle betwixt both is the point for virtue.

  • I really ought to visit my California estates, and I have always wanted to see that part of America.

  • But she told Grandfather Mole that it was all right—that she knew a person of his age ought not to go without his breakfast.

British Dictionary definitions for ought (1 of 3)


verb (foll by to; takes an infinitive or implied infinitive)

to indicate duty or obligationyou ought to pay your dues

to express prudent expediencyyou ought to be more careful with your money

(usually with reference to future time) to express probability or expectationyou ought to finish this work by Friday

to express a desire or wish on the part of the speakeryou ought to come next week

Word Origin for ought

Old English āhte, past tense of āgan to owe; related to Gothic aihta

usage for ought

In correct English, ought is not used with did or had. I ought not to do it, not I didn’t ought to do it; I ought not to have done it, not I hadn’t ought to have done it

British Dictionary definitions for ought (2 of 3)

British Dictionary definitions for ought (3 of 3)

Word Origin for ought

C19: mistaken division of a nought as an ought; see nought

Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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