dju: adj., n., & adv. --adj. 1 (predic.)
owing or
payable as a
debt or an
obligation (our thanks are due to
him; ø500
was due on
the 15th). 2 (often foll. by to) merited;
appropriate;
fitting (his due
reward; received the
applause due to a hero). 3
rightful;
proper;
adequate (after due consideration). 4 (predic.; foll. by to) to be ascribed to (a
cause, an
agent, etc.) (the
discovery was due to Newton). 5 (predic.)
intended to
arrive at a
certain time (a
train is due at 7.30). 6 (foll. by to + infin.)
under an obligation or
agreement to do
something (due to
speak tonight). --n. 1 a person's
right;
what is owed to a
person (a fair
hearing is my due). 2 (in pl.) a what
one owes (pays
his dues). b a legally demandable toll or
fee (harbour dues;
university dues). --adv. (of a
point of the compass)
exactly,
directly (went due
east; a due
north wind). ødue to disp.
because of, owing to (was
late due to an accident) (cf.
sense 4 of adj.).
fall (or become) due (of a bill etc.) be
immediately payable. in due
course 1 at
about the appropriate time. 2 in the
natural order. [ME f. OF deâ ult. f. L debitus
past part. of debere owe]
