Obliged-Obligated | Commonly Confused Words

Obliged

/ˈɒbləɡeɪt/

Feeling that you must do something because it is the right thing to do or because it will help someone

/ˈɒbləɡeɪtəd/

Required to do something due to a rule, law, or promise

Obliged is often used when you feel gratitude for someone doing something for you.
Obligated typically refers to being bound by a duty or contract.
Remember: obliged and thank you can go together, whereas obligated might pair with must or required.
Feeling obliged is more about personal feeling, whereas obligated is more about an external requirement.
Obliged often has a more positive connotation than obligated, which can feel more burdensome.