beholden
word
Definition
If you are beholden to someone, you owe them because they have helped you or done you a favor. It means you feel obligated to return their kindness or help.
Usage & Nuances
"Beholden" is formal and often used in negative contexts ("not beholden to anyone"). It's about obligation from favors, not financial debt. Common with 'to': "beholden to someone". Rare in casual speech.
Spanish: en deuda - agradecido (por obligación)Portuguese (BR): em dívida - obrigado (por obrigação)Portuguese (PT): em dívida - obrigado (por obrigação)Chinese (Simplified): 欠（人情、债务）Chinese (Traditional): 欠（人情、債務）Hindi: ऋणी - एहसानमंदArabic: مدين - مُمْتَنّ (لشخص ما)
Example Sentences
I am beholden to my teacher for all her help.
basic
He doesn't want to feel beholden to anyone.
basic
She felt beholden to her friend for lending her money.
basic
Politicians should not be beholden to big corporations.
natural
You helped me so much; I truly feel beholden to you.
natural
I'm not beholden to any particular group or interest.
natural