dutiful
UK: ˈdjuːtɪf(ə)l | US: ˈduːtɪf(ə)l
adj. Conscientiously fulfilling responsibilities or obligations.
adj. Showing respectful obedience or submission.
The word "dutiful" combines "duty," derived from Old French "deu" (owed) and Latin "debitum" (debt), with the suffix "-ful," meaning "full of" or "characterized by." Originally, "duty" referred to a moral or legal obligation, while "-ful" transformed it into an adjective describing someone who embodies such obligations. Over time, "dutiful" evolved to emphasize respectful compliance, often in hierarchical or familial contexts.
She was a dutiful daughter, always caring for her aging parents.
The soldier carried out his orders in a dutiful manner.
His dutiful attendance at meetings impressed his superiors.
The clerk’s dutiful attention to detail ensured no errors in the records.
A dutiful citizen always votes and follows the law.