beholden
Being under a moral or legal obligation to someone in return for a favor, service, or help. It describes a state of being indebted or bound by gratitude to another party.
Examples
3 of 5I don’t like asking for favors because I hate feeling beholden to anyone.
I dislike requesting assistance because I do not want to feel obligated to others.
The judge was accused of being beholden to the political interests of the ruling party.
The judge was criticized for being under the influence and obligation of the ruling party's interests.
You helped me out big time, but don't think I'm beholden to you forever!
You assisted me significantly, but do not assume I am permanently in your debt.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase 'to be held'. If you are 'be-hold-en', someone is 'holding' a favor over you, and you are tied to them until the debt is paid.
Quick Quiz
After the bank bailed out the small firm, the owners felt ________ to the board of directors.
Correct!
The correct answer is: beholden
Examples
I don’t like asking for favors because I hate feeling beholden to anyone.
everydayI dislike requesting assistance because I do not want to feel obligated to others.
The judge was accused of being beholden to the political interests of the ruling party.
formalThe judge was criticized for being under the influence and obligation of the ruling party's interests.
You helped me out big time, but don't think I'm beholden to you forever!
informalYou assisted me significantly, but do not assume I am permanently in your debt.
Economic historians argue that the colony remained beholden to the empire long after formal independence.
academicScholars suggest the colony stayed dependent and obligated to the empire after achieving independence.
The CEO made it clear that the company is not beholden to its minor shareholders.
businessThe chief executive stated that the corporation has no specific obligations to its small-scale investors.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
beholden to special interests
controlled or influenced by groups seeking special advantages
to be beholden to someone's charity
to rely on and be obligated by someone's kindness
remain beholden
to continue to be in a state of obligation
Often Confused With
'Beholding' is the present participle of 'behold' (meaning to see), while 'beholden' means being obligated.
'Behold' is a verb meaning to see or observe, whereas 'beholden' is an adjective describing a state of debt.
Usage Notes
The word is almost always used with the preposition 'to'. While it can express simple gratitude, it often carries a negative connotation of being controlled by the person to whom one is indebted.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 'beholden' as a verb (e.g., 'I beholden him'). It must be used as an adjective with the verb 'to be' or 'to feel'.
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase 'to be held'. If you are 'be-hold-en', someone is 'holding' a favor over you, and you are tied to them until the debt is paid.
Word Origin
Originally the past participle of the Middle English 'beholden', which meant 'to hold' or 'to keep', implying that one is 'held' by an obligation.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Often used in American political commentary to describe candidates who accept large donations from corporations.
Quick Quiz
After the bank bailed out the small firm, the owners felt ________ to the board of directors.
Correct!
The correct answer is: beholden
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