due
Pluraldues
- 1Caused by something or happening because of it.
Like a wet floor that comes from a leaking pipe.
The delay was due to heavy snow on the roads.
Her tiredness was due to a long night of studying.
UsagePut to before the cause: The delay was due to rain.
Similarattributable, owing
Note
- 2Expected to happen, arrive or be ready at a certain time, or having reached the time when something should happen.
Like a bus that is supposed to come at a set time.
The train is due at noon, so let's get to the station.
Her baby is due in early spring.
UsageSay the work is due on Friday, or the train is due to arrive.
- 3
- 4Proper and right for the situation.
Like wearing the right clothes for the weather.
Handle the chemicals with due care.
Give the matter due thought before you decide.
UsageOften with all due respect, said before you disagree.
Similarproper, appropriate, suitable, fitting, adequate
Oppositeimproper, inappropriate, inadequate
Note
Less common meanings
- 5A fee a member pays to belong to a club or group.
Like the money you pay to be part of a sports team.
Each member pays small dues every month.
Players who skip their dues can't join the next game.
UsageSay dues are, and pay your dues.
Similarfee, subscription, charge
- 6Credit or thanks that someone has earned.
Like saying 'good job' to someone who truly earned it.
We should give the team its due for finishing early.
Give the new manager her due. She turned the company around.
UsageSay give someone their due.
Similarcredit, recognition
Note
- 7Something that belongs to a person by right or that they are owed.
Like the change a shop must give back to you.
The landlord demanded his due before the tenants left.
Each worker collected their due at the end of the harvest.
Similarentitlement
Note
- 8
- 9Lying straight in the direction of a compass point.
Like a straight line drawn right toward north on a map.
The road follows a due north course between the two towns.
A due east path leads to the old mill.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Old French deü, meaning 'due', from a Latin word dēbēre meaning 'to owe'.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- English due comes from Old French deü, meaning 'due'. en.wiktionary.org
- The Old French word derives ultimately from Latin dēbēre, meaning 'to owe'. en.wiktionary.org