due: Meaning and Definition of

due

Pronunciation: (d, dy), [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. The delay was due to heavy traffic.
    1. attributable to; ascribable to:The delay was due to heavy traffic.
    2. 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,a regular fee or charge payable at specific intervals, esp. to a group or organization: membership dues.
  3. Even though he had once cheated me, I tried to give him his due.
    1. to give what justice demands; treat fairly:Even though he had once cheated me, I tried to give him his due.
    2. to credit a disliked or dishonorable person for something that is likable, honorable, or the like.
  4. 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. duly.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
  • due (Thesaurus)