ought

adverb

1. Alternative spelling of aught at all, to any degree.

noun

1. A statement of what ought to be the case as contrasted with what is the case.

2. Alternative spelling of aught cipher, zero, nought.

pronoun

1. Alternative spelling of aught anything

verb

1. (obsolete) simple past tense of owe

2. (auxiliary) Indicating duty or obligation.

- I ought to vote in the coming election.

3. (auxiliary) Indicating advisability or prudence.

- You ought to stand back from the edge of the platform.

4. (auxiliary) Indicating desirability.

- He ought to read the book; it was very good.

5. (auxiliary) Indicating likelihood or probability.

- We ought to arrive by noon if we take the motorway.