First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1ought
verbal auxiliary \ˈȯt\
Definition of OUGHT
—used to express obligation <ought to pay our debts>, advisability <ought to take care of yourself>, natural expectation <ought to be here by now>, or logical consequence <the result ought to be infinity>
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Origin of OUGHT
Middle English oughte (1st & 3d singular present indicative), from oughte, 1st & 3d singular past indicative & subjunctive of owen to own, owe — more at owe
2ought
verb \ˈȯ(ḵ)t\
—used to indicate what is expected
—used to say or suggest what should be done
Full Definition of OUGHT
transitive verb
1
chiefly Scottish : possess
2
chiefly Scottish : owe
See ought defined for English-language learners
Origin of OUGHT
Middle English oughte, 1st & 3d singular past indicative of owen
First Known Use: 13th century
3ought
noun \ˈȯt\
4ought
\ˈȯt, ˈät\
Definition of OUGHT
archaic variant of aught
OUGHT Defined for Kids
ought
helping verb \ˈȯt\
Definition of OUGHT for Kids
1
—used to show duty <You ought to obey your parents.>
2
—used to show what it would be wise to do <You ought to take care of that cough.>
3
—used to show what is naturally expected <They ought to be here by now.>
4
—used to show what is correct <You ought to get nine for the answer.>
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