beholden

[bɪˈhəʊld(ə)n]

beholden Definition

owing thanks or having a duty to someone in return for help or a service.

Using beholden: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "beholden" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I am beholden to you for your help.

• Example

  She felt beholden to her parents for their support.

• Example

  He was beholden to his boss for giving him the opportunity.

beholden Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for beholden

• grateful
• appreciative
• obligated

Antonyms for beholden

• ungrateful
• disobliged

Phrases with beholden

• beholden to someone

  feeling that one owes a debt of gratitude to someone

  Example

  I am beholden to my mentor for all the guidance and support she has given me.

• beholden to something

  being dependent on something or someone for survival or success

  Example

  The company is beholden to its investors for funding.

• beholden to no one

  not being obligated to anyone or anything

  Example

  As an independent artist, she is beholden to no one but herself.

Origins of beholden

from Middle English 'beholden' meaning 'to keep', from 'be-' (about, around) + 'holden' (to hold)

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Summary: beholden in Brief

The term 'beholden' [bɪˈhəʊld(ə)n] refers to owing thanks or having a duty to someone in return for help or a service. It is often used to express gratitude or obligation, as in 'I am beholden to you for your help.' 'Beholden' can also be used in phrases like 'beholden to someone,' indicating a sense of indebtedness, or 'beholden to no one,' implying independence.