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 Word Forms

• 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

There is just one clock that is spared his dutiful hands - the electronic weather station that takes pride of place on the centre of his living room wall.

From BBC

Dull and dutiful could be a successful recipe once more in 2026.

From Los Angeles Times

For years Su Min had been the dutiful daughter, wife and mother – even as her husband repeatedly struck her.

From BBC

But Carter, as dutiful Democratic soldier, headlined a reception and chicken dinner to raise money for his former vice president, Walter Mondale, while Mondale prepared to accept the party’s presidential nomination.

From Los Angeles Times

Seemingly inconsequential moments — like a cozy house party scene — shine with loving specificity, making the perpetual return to the Carlos drama feel dutiful.

From New York Times

Related Words

• conscientious