ought

UK /ɔːt/ US /ɔt/
verb 4noun 2pron 1adv 1

Definitions

verb

1

Indicating duty or obligation.

I ought to vote in the coming election.

2

Indicating advisability or prudence.

You ought to always stand back from the edge of the platform.

Do you think we ought to leave now?

3

Indicating desirability.

He ought to read the book; it was very good.

4

Indicating likelihood or probability.

We ought to arrive by noon if we take the motorway, shouldn't we?

My hopes wa'n't disappointed. I never saw clams thicker than they was along them inshore flats. I filled my dreener in no time, and then it come to me that 'twouldn't be a bad idee to get a lot more, take 'em with me to Wellmouth, and peddle 'em out. Clams was fairly scarce over that side of the bay and ought to fetch a fair price.

pron

1

Alternative spelling of aught; anything

Is it a small benefit, that I am placed there […] where I see no drunken comessations, no rebellious routs, no violent oppressions, no obscene rejoicings, nor ought else that might either vex or affright my soul?

adv

1

Alternative spelling of aught; at all, to any degree.

Your note

not saved
0 chars