Dictionary
due
Pronunciation: (dOO, dyOO), [key]—
adj.
1. owed at present; having reached the date for payment:
This bill is due.
2. owing or owed, irrespective of whether the time of payment has arrived:
This bill is due next month.
3. owing or observed as a moral or natural right.
4. rightful; proper; fitting:
due care; in due time.
5. adequate; sufficient:
a due margin for delay.
6. under engagement as to time; expected to be ready, be present, or arrive; scheduled:
The plane is due at noon.
7. due to,
a. attributable to; ascribable to:
The delay was due to heavy traffic.
b. because of; owing to:
All planes are grounded due to fog.
—
n.
1. something that is due, owed, or naturally belongs to someone.
2. Usually,
dues. a regular fee or charge payable at specific intervals, esp. to a group or organization:
membership dues.
3. give someone his or her due,
a. to give what justice demands; treat fairly:
Even though he had once cheated me, I tried to give him his due.
b. to credit a disliked or dishonorable person for something that is likable, honorable, or the like.
4. pay one's dues, to earn respect, a position, or a right by hard work, sacrifice, or experience:
She's a famous musician now, but she paid her dues with years of practice and performing in small towns.
—
adv.
1. directly or exactly:
a due east course.
2. Obs.duly.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
