ought

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   Used to say that something is the right or sensible thing to do.

   You ought to apologize to her.

2. 2
   verb

   Used to say that something is likely or expected to happen.

   We ought to arrive by noon if the traffic is light.

3. 3
   noun

   A statement about what should be the case, as opposed to what actually is.

   Philosophers warn against deriving an ought from an is.

From Middle English oughte, aughte, aȝte, ahte, from Old English āhte, first and third person singular past tense of Old English āgan (“to own, possess”), equivalent to owe + -t. Cognate with Sanskrit ईश्वर (īśvará, “capable of, liable”).

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