What does devoir mean?
Devoir is a formal English noun meaning a duty or obligation — something a person is morally or legally bound to do. Borrowed directly from French, it retains a Gallic pronunciation (/də-VWAHR/) and a distinctly elevated register; it appears far more often in literature, historical fiction, and ceremonial contexts than in everyday speech. The word is most commonly met in its plural form, "devoirs", particularly in the set phrase "to pay or perform one's devoirs", meaning to carry out the courtesies or duties expected of one, such as offering condolences or fulfilling official responsibilities. Its Latin ancestor, debere ("to owe"), also gave English the words debt, due, and duty, making devoir part of a family of terms linking obligation with what is owed. Because of its formality, devoir lends writing a tone of dignity and old-world courtesy, though using it casually can sound affected. It remains a useful word for describing obligations framed not as burdens but as marks of honour and propriety.
nounA person's duty or obligation; something one is morally or legally bound to do.
- A moral or legal duty; an obligation one must fulfil.
"She performed every social devoir with impeccable grace, from hosting the gala to writing the thank-you notes."
"He discharged his devoirs as chair of the committee with unfailing diligence."
"Paying respects to the bereaved family was felt to be a solemn devoir."
The plural is the more common form in actual usage, especially in the phrase "to pay one's devoirs" or "to perform one's devoirs".
"Before departing, she paid her devoirs to the hostess and thanked her warmly."
"Devoir" and "debt" come from the same Latin verb — so your duties really are debts you owe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of devoir
Devoir entered English in the Middle Ages by way of Old French, where it meant both "duty" and "owing". It derives ultimately from the Latin verb debere, "to owe", formed from de- plus habere, "to have". This same Latin root produced English "debt", "due", and "duty" through parallel French developments, and it also lies behind the phrase "endeavour" (originally "put oneself in devoir", i.e. in one's power or duty). In modern English the word has narrowed almost entirely to its sense of obligation.
How devoir is actually used
Formal and somewhat literary; most often encountered in the plural "devoirs", especially in the fixed phrase "to perform/pay one's devoirs". The singular is rare in everyday English. Retains its French pronunciation, which signals its borrowed status.
Easily confused with devoir
"Devour" means to eat hungrily or consume greedily, while "devoir" means a duty or obligation — they differ by only one letter but are unrelated in meaning.