responsible
|re/spon/si/ble|
🇺🇸
/rɪˈspɑːnsəbl/
🇬🇧
/rɪˈspɒnsəbl/
accountability
Etymology
'responsible' originates from the Latin word 'respondere,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'spondere' meant 'to promise.'
'respondere' transformed into the Old French word 'responsable,' and eventually became the modern English word 'responsible.'
Initially, it meant 'to promise again,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having an obligation or being accountable.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role.
She is responsible for managing the team.
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Adjective 2
being the primary cause of something and so able to be blamed or credited for it.
He was responsible for the accident.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35