dutiful

[ doo-tuh-fuhl, dyoo- ]

adjective

1. performing the duties expected or required of one; characterized by doing one's duty: a dutiful child.

   a dutiful citizen;

   a dutiful child.

   Synonyms: duteous, submissive, obedient, deferential, respectful

2. required by duty; proceeding from or expressive of a sense of duty:

   dutiful attention.

dutiful

/ ˈdjuːtɪfʊl /

adjective

1. exhibiting or having a sense of duty
2. characterized by or resulting from a sense of duty

   a dutiful answer

Derived Forms

• ˈdutifully, adverb
• ˈdutifulness, noun

Other Words From

• du·ti·ful·ly adverb
• qua·si-du·ti·ful adjective
• un·du·ti·ful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dutiful¹

First recorded in 1545–55; duty + -ful

Example Sentences

Among the standouts: Alta books editor David L. Ulin’s “Shamash” — its title taken from the little candle used to light others in the menorah — in a devastating story about a dutiful son and caregiver faced with a fateful choice.

From Los Angeles Times

We’ve found the ultimate talisman of Virgoan vigor: a dutiful pebble grinder.

From Los Angeles Times

Ralph Fiennes does most of the heavy lifting, playing a dutiful and doubting man overseeing the vote.

From Los Angeles Times

Ralph Fiennes does most of the heavy lifting here, playing Cardinal Lawrence, a dutiful and doubting man overseeing the vote for the next pope.

From Los Angeles Times

It was clear long before that point that Moss had earned the job even beyond the dutiful time he’d put in as the likable backup.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conscientious