The spelling of "bounden duty" might seem confusing at first glance, but its pronunciation is straightforward. The word "bounden" is pronounced as /ˈbaʊnd(ə)n/, with the stress on the first syllable. It means obligatory or required, often used in phrases such as "bounden duty" to refer to something that one is morally or legally obliged to do. The origin of the word is from the Middle English "bonden", meaning bound or obligated. Therefore, "bounden duty" means a duty that one is bound to fulfill.
Bounden duty is a phrase used to express a moral or legal obligation that is perceived as being not only necessary but also morally right and obligatory. It refers to a duty or responsibility that one is obligated to fulfill due to a sense of moral or social obligation, often stemming from one's own principles or values.
The word "bounden" suggests being morally or legally obligated, while the term "duty" emphasizes the idea of responsibility or obligation. Bounden duty often conveys a strong sense of commitment, with the understanding that failure to fulfill this duty would be seen as a breach of moral or societal norms.
This phrase commonly arises in contexts involving ethical or professional codes of conduct, legal obligations, or commitments within personal relationships. It is used to emphasize that fulfilling such obligations is not merely a choice but an inherent responsibility that one must carry out without hesitation.
The concept of bounden duty implies that one is duty-bound to act in a certain way or to perform certain tasks, regardless of personal desires, preferences or convenience. It suggests that certain obligations hold a higher priority and takes precedence over personal interests, thus emphasizing the importance of fulfilling these duties for the greater good or for maintaining personal integrity.
The phrase "bounden duty" can be traced back to Middle English and is a combination of two words: "bounden" and "duty".
1. Bounden: The word "bounden" comes from the Middle English word "bounde", which means "bound" or "obligated". It is the past participle of the verb "binden" (to bind) in Old English. Over time, "bounden" evolved to mean "obligated" or "having a moral duty/obligation".
2. Duty: The word "duty" originates from the Old French word "deu", which referred to a financial obligation or a tax. It later entered Middle English as "dute", meaning an obligation or responsibility.
The combination of these two words creates the phrase "bounden duty", which signifies a strong moral or obligatory responsibility.