dutiful

du·ti·ful

adj \ˈdü-ti-fəl also ˈdyü-\

Definition of DUTIFUL

1

: filled with or motivated by a sense of duty <a dutiful child>

2

: proceeding from or expressive of a sense of duty <a dutiful effort>

— du·ti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb

— du·ti·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

Examples of DUTIFUL

1. the dutiful way he took care of his sick mother
2. <the family showed a dutiful deference to their minister when he came to dinner>

First Known Use of DUTIFUL

1552

Related to DUTIFUL

Synonyms: deferent, deferential, respectful, regardful

Antonyms: disrespectful, undutiful

Related Words: reverent, reverential, venerating, worshipful; fawning, genuflecting, groveling (or grovelling), hagiographic (or hagiographical), kowtowing, obsequious, servile, subservient, sycophantic, toadying; civil, courteous, gracious, polite; kid-glove, kid-gloved

Near Antonyms: abusive, insulting, offensive; belittling, demeaning, depreciative, depreciatory, derogatory, disparaging; contemptuous, impudent, irreverent, scornful; discourteous, insolent, rude, uncivil

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with DUTIFUL

beautiful