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English

responsibility

|re/spon/si/bil/i/ty|

B2

🇺🇸

/rɪˌspɑːn.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/

🇬🇧

/rɪˌspɒn.sɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

duty or obligation

Etymology
Etymology Information

'responsibility' originates from the Latin word 'responsus,' which is the past participle of 'respondere,' meaning 'to respond.'

Historical Evolution

'responsus' transformed into the French word 'responsabilité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'responsibility.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to respond or answer for something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having a duty or obligation.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.

He has a lot of responsibility at work.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

a thing that one is required to do as part of a job, role, or legal obligation.

It's your responsibility to lock the door when you leave.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35