Definitions
- Referring to a strong force or pressure that makes someone do something. - Talking about a situation where there is no other option but to do something. - Describing a situation where someone is forced to act against their will.
- Referring to a sense of duty or responsibility to do something. - Talking about a situation where someone is willing to help or do something for someone else. - Describing a situation where someone feels indebted to another person and wants to repay them.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to a sense of obligation or duty.
- 2Both words imply that someone is being forced to do something.
- 3Both words can be used to describe situations where there is no other option but to act.
What is the difference?
- 1Force: Compel implies a stronger sense of force or pressure than oblige.
- 2Willingness: Oblige implies a willingness to help or do something for someone else, while compel does not.
- 3Debt: Oblige can imply a sense of indebtedness or gratitude towards someone, while compel does not.
- 4Formality: Compel is more formal and legalistic than oblige, which is more casual and friendly.
- 5Connotation: Compel has a negative connotation of being forced to do something against one's will, while oblige has a positive connotation of being willing to help or do something for someone else.
Remember this!
Compel and oblige are both words that refer to a sense of obligation or duty. However, compel implies a stronger sense of force or pressure, often against one's will, while oblige implies a willingness to help or do something for someone else. Additionally, oblige can imply a sense of indebtedness or gratitude towards someone, while compel does not.
