lig
LatinVariants
Related Roots
About This Root
From Latin ligāre (to bind, tie). Produces words about binding and obligation: ligature (a binding tie), oblige (bind to a duty), obligation, obligatory, liable (bound by law), liaison (a binding link), reliable (able to be bound to), and allied (bound together). The 'binding' metaphor extends from physical ties to legal and social bonds.
Associated Words
allied
Joined as allies; related or connected
liable
Legally responsible; likely or prone to something
liaison
Communication and cooperation between groups; a person who links parties
lien
A legal right to hold another's property until a debt is paid
ligature
A cord used to tie or bind, especially in surgery; joined letters in typography
obligated
Required by law or conscience to do something
obligation
A duty or binding commitment one is required to fulfil
obligatory
Required by law or duty; compulsory
oblige
To compel by duty; to do someone a favour
obliging
Willing and happy to help others
reliability
The quality of being dependable and trustworthy
reliable
Consistently trustworthy and dependable
reliance
Dependence on or trust in someone or something
reliant
Depending on someone or something
unreliable
Not able to be trusted or depended on