Definitions
- Referring to doing something as a favor or out of kindness. - Talking about being required or compelled to do something due to social norms or expectations. - Describing a situation where someone feels indebted or grateful and wants to reciprocate.
- Referring to limiting or restricting someone's actions or choices. - Talking about being forced or compelled to do something against one's will. - Describing a situation where external factors prevent someone from acting freely or naturally.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to a sense of obligation or requirement.
- 2Both words can involve external factors that influence behavior.
- 3Both words can be used in formal or informal contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Action: Oblige implies a willingness or desire to do something, while constrain suggests a limitation or restriction on action.
- 2Volition: Oblige implies a choice or decision to act, while constrain suggests a lack of choice or control over the situation.
- 3Emotion: Oblige often involves positive emotions such as gratitude or kindness, while constrain can involve negative emotions such as frustration or resentment.
- 4Social norms: Oblige is often associated with fulfilling social expectations or norms, while constrain can be associated with breaking or challenging norms.
- 5Degree: Constrain implies a stronger sense of limitation or restriction than oblige.
Remember this!
Oblige and constrain both refer to a sense of obligation or requirement, but they differ in their connotations and implications. Oblige implies a willingness or desire to act, often involving positive emotions and social norms. Constrain, on the other hand, suggests a lack of choice or control over the situation, often involving negative emotions and stronger limitations or restrictions.
