dutiful

American  

[doo-tuh-fuhl, dyoo-] / ˈdu tə fəl, ˈdyu- /

adjective

1. performing the duties expected or required of one; characterized by doing one's duty: a dutiful child.

   a dutiful citizen;

   a dutiful child.

   Synonyms:

   duteous, submissive, obedient, deferential, respectful

2. required by duty; proceeding from or expressive of a sense of duty.

   dutiful attention.

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dutiful British  

/ ˈdjuːtɪfʊl /

adjective

1. exhibiting or having a sense of duty

2. characterized by or resulting from a sense of duty

   a dutiful answer

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Other Word Forms

• dutifully adverb
• dutifulness noun
• quasi-dutiful adjective
• undutiful adjective

Etymology

Origin of dutiful

First recorded in 1545–55; duty + -ful

Example Sentences

Nicholson leading his fellow prisoners of war in dutiful observance of a wartime code of honor.

From The Wall Street Journal

In truth, the tie-wearing fox only became a cop because of his fondness for Judy, not out of a sense of dutiful conviction.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Dyer remained a dutiful son but, sensing that part of his life was now incommunicable to his parents, withheld his most important feelings from them.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Older generations and state employees maintain dutiful compliance -- observing government mandates for black attire and periods of official grief," he told AFP.

From Barron's

The trials and tribulations of the dutiful new bride had families reorganise their daily routines to ensure they didn't miss out a single episode.

From BBC

Related Words

• conscientious