Devoir

Devoir is a French noun with several related meanings. It most commonly denotes an obligation or duty, whether personal, social, or legal. It also refers to a task assigned as homework or coursework in educational settings, as in faire ses devoirs.

As a verb, devoir means “to owe” and “to have to” (to be obliged to), with forms such as je dois, tu dois, il doit. In compound tenses it uses the auxiliary avoir, for example j’ai dû (I had to / I must have). The verb conveys both external obligation and internal necessity, depending on context.

Etymology and usage: the word derives from Latin debere, via Old French devoir, reflecting the sense of owing something or owing a duty. In modern French, the noun and verb senses remain closely connected to the notion of obligation.

In philosophy, le devoir denotes moral obligation. In ethics, particularly Kantian deontology, a devoir is a duty commanded by rational moral law, guiding actions beyond personal preference. The concept contrasts with conseils, plaisirs, or contingent aims, emphasizing universal principles.

Cultural reference: Le Devoir is a prominent French-language newspaper published in Montreal, founded in 1910 by Henri Bourassa. The name translates roughly as “The Duty” or “The Obligation,” reflecting its engagement with political and social issues.