indebted

UK: ɪnˈdɛtɪd | US: ɪnˈdɛtɪd

Definition
  1. adj. owing money or gratitude to someone; morally or legally obligated.

Structure
in <into, towards>debt <something owed>ed <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "indebted" originates from Middle English endetted, derived from Old French endetter ("to involve in debt"), which combines en- (a prefix meaning "in" or "into") and dette ("debt"). The spelling later assimilated to include the silent "b" from Latin debitum ("something owed"). Over time, the term expanded beyond financial obligations to include moral or social debts, reflecting a broader sense of obligation.

Examples
  1. She felt deeply indebted to her mentor for guiding her career.

  2. The company is heavily indebted after years of expansion.

  3. He acknowledged being indebted to ancient philosophers for his ideas.

  4. Many developing nations remain indebted to international lenders.

  5. Their kindness left me forever indebted to them.