ought
Pluraloughts
- 1Used to say that doing something is a smart or wise idea.
You ought to wear a coat because it is very cold outside.
We ought to leave early to avoid the heavy traffic.
UsageQuestions often use Do you think we ought to...?
Similarshould
- 2Used to say that something would be good or right if it happened.
Everyone ought to have a safe place to live.
Children ought to be able to play outside without fear.
Similarshould
- 3Used to say that someone has a duty or must do the right thing.
Like a quiet rule inside you that says you must do the right thing.
You ought to tell the truth when someone asks you a direct question.
We ought to help people who are in trouble.
UsageSay ought to + verb: you ought to help. It means about the same as should.
Similarshould
Note
- 4Used to say that something is likely to happen or be true.
If you leave now, you ought to get there on time.
This recipe ought to make enough soup for six people.
UsageHere it means about the same as should: it ought to arrive tomorrow.
Similarshould
Note
Less common meanings
- 5A claim about how things should be, not how they really are.
Like the difference between saying 'the room is messy' and saying 'the room should be clean.'
Philosophers warn against turning a plain fact into an ought.
The philosopher asked how you can get an ought from plain facts.
UsageOften with is: you can't get an ought from an is.
Oppositeis
Note
- 6Another spelling of aught: the number zero, as in nineteen ought four.
She was born in nineteen ought four.
Grandpa bought his first truck back in ought seven.
UsageHeard in years such as nineteen ought nine (1909). For the number 0 on its own, zero is clearer.
Note
- 7Another spelling of aught: anything. It is an old word, seen mostly in older writing.
UsageFound in old books. Today, say anything.
Note
- 8Another spelling of aught: at all. It is an old word, seen mostly in older writing.
UsageFound in old books. Today, say at all.
- 9Past tense of owe. This old form is no longer used, and today people say owed.
There was a certayne lender / which had two detters / the one ought five hondred pence / and the other fifty.
1526, [William Tyndale, transl.], The Newe Testamẽt (Tyndale Bible)Here, ought means owed, the money the person had to pay back.Note
Showing meanings only.
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of ought apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
It comes from Old English āhte, the past tense of āgan, meaning "to own or possess."
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts
- Ought comes from Old English āhte. en.wiktionary.org
- Āhte was a past tense of āgan. en.wiktionary.org
- Āgan meant to own or possess. en.wiktionary.org