① obligation(a duty,promise or condition that indicates what action ought to be taken)義務(wù),責(zé)任(一般指按法律、合同、諾言、道德規(guī)范或其他類似規(guī)定確定的該做和不該做的事)。
He is under the obligation of supporting his aged mother. 他有贍養(yǎng)年邁母親的義務(wù)。
② duty(what one must do either because of one's job or because one thinks it right)責(zé)任,職責(zé)(主要是指出于道德、倫理和信仰上的責(zé)任感,并非外界強(qiáng)行的壓力)。
He failed in his duty. 他失職。
③ responsibility (常與to,for 連用)負(fù)責(zé),責(zé)任(強(qiáng)調(diào)對(duì)個(gè)人、社會(huì)、公眾或信仰等所履行的任何形式的責(zé)任、義務(wù))。
It is the responsibility of all statesmen to work for peace. 爭取和平是所有政治家的責(zé)任。