oblige

obliger, contraindre

Ne laisser à quelqu’un aucun véritable choix, à cause d’une règle ou d’une situation.

En anglais simple : If a rule or situation makes you do something, it leaves you with no real choice.

• The rules oblige us to wear helmets.
• She felt obliged to attend the meeting.
• Heavy snow obliged them to turn back.

Comment l'utiliser : oblige someone to do something (The law obliges employers to provide safety training.); be obliged to do something (We were obliged to cancel the trip.)

Synonymes : require, force, compel

Expressions courantes : oblige someone to, legally oblige someone, oblige by law

rendre service, faire plaisir

Aider quelqu’un en faisant ce qu’il demande ou souhaite.

En anglais simple : To help someone by doing what they ask or want.

• I asked for help, and he obliged.
• The waiter was happy to oblige with extra plates.
• She obliged us by taking a photograph.

Comment l'utiliser : oblige someone by doing something (Could you oblige me by opening the window?); oblige with something (She obliged with a short speech.)

Synonymes : help, assist, accommodate

Contraires : refuse

Expressions courantes : happy to oblige, gladly oblige someone, oblige with something, oblige someone by

être reconnaissant

S’emploie pour demander très poliment quelque chose en disant qu’on en serait reconnaissant.

En anglais simple : Used in a very polite request to say you would be grateful if someone did something.

• I would be obliged if you could reply today.
• We would be obliged if you sent us the details.
• You would oblige me greatly by keeping this private.

Comment l'utiliser : would be obliged if someone could do something (I would be obliged if you could send the receipt.)

Expressions courantes : be obliged if, greatly oblige me

obliger

Amener quelqu’un à se sentir reconnaissant grâce à l’aide qu’on lui apporte.

En anglais simple : To make someone feel grateful because you have helped them.

• Much obliged for the lift!
• We are deeply obliged to everyone who helped.
• Your kindness has obliged me more than I can say.

Comment l'utiliser : be much obliged to someone for something (I am much obliged to you for your help.)

Expressions courantes : much obliged, deeply oblige someone