Beholden

usgb/bɪˈhəʊldən/
adjective

Owing thanks or having duty to someone because of favors or help.

She was beholden to him for saving her life.
Visual representation of "beholden" - Owing thanks or having duty to someone because of favors or help

Often appears as...

  • beholden to someone
  • beholden for something

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "beholden"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Positive Obligation

Beholden implies a positive feeling of being obliged, not a legal or negative duty.

Illustration for Positive Obligation
After the support during hard times, she felt warmly beholden to her mentor.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Gratitude Implied

Using 'beholden' suggests a sense of gratitude towards the person who helped.

Illustration for Gratitude Implied
He was beholden to his neighbor for watering his plants while he was away.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Financial Debt

'Beholden' is less about financial debt and more about moral or social obligations.

Illustration for Not Financial Debt
Although she repaid the loan, she remained beholden to her friend for the generosity shown.
Visual representation of the word "Beholden"

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