responsible
English meaning: Responsible
Definition
The individual who bears the responsibility for something.
Example
“She is responsible for managing the entire department.”
Another example: “A heavy storm was responsible for the widespread power cuts.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Most common as an adjective meaning trustworthy or accountable ('a responsible adult', 'responsible for'). The noun sense (the person in charge) is rare in English and more typical of translation from other languages. Often followed by 'for'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From obsolete French 'responsible', from Latin 'respons-', past-participle stem of 'respondere' ('to answer'), in English from the 16th century.
Synonyms
- judicious
- causative
- liable
- trustworthy
- creditworthy
- trusty
- responsible for
Antonyms / Opposites
- irresponsible
- unreliable
Related Words
- overseeing
- coordinating
- policing
- ensuring
- implementing
- maintaining
- organizing
- managing
- maintenance
- implementation
Common Collocations
- responsible for
- socially responsible
- responsible adult
- held responsible
- responsible behaviour
Word Forms
responsible (adj); responsibly (adv); responsibility (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B