Doing what you are expected or supposed to do, especially out of a sense of responsibility.
Formed in English from 'duty' plus the suffix '-ful', meaning 'full of duty'. It developed to describe people who strongly feel and follow their obligations.
Being dutiful is about responsibility, not necessarily enthusiasm—you can obey without wanting to. In stories, dutiful characters often face tension between what they must do and what they want to do.
“Dutiful” has often been applied to women and girls in domestic and caregiving roles, framing compliance and self-sacrifice as ideal feminine traits. This contributed to expectations that they prioritize others’ needs over their own autonomy.
Use “dutiful” carefully, and avoid praising unquestioning obedience, especially in contexts where power imbalances or gendered expectations are present. Instead, emphasize responsibility balanced with consent and boundaries.
["responsible","conscientious","reliable"]
When discussing duty in historical contexts, note how women’s and girls’ “dutiful” behavior often masked unpaid labor and constrained choices, even as they sustained families and institutions.
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