responsible
Meaning
Having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role.
Being the primary cause of something and so able to be blamed or credited for it.
(of a job or position) involving important duties, independent decision-making, or control over others.
Capable of being trusted; reliable and sensible.
Structure
Usage
Parents are responsible for the safety of their children.
The heavy rain was responsible for the flooding in the city.
She is a highly responsible employee who can manage the project independently.
Etymology
The word 'responsible' has a direct lineage from the Latin verb 'respondēre', meaning "to answer, promise in return". This verb itself is a compound of the prefix 're-' (back) and 'spondēre' (to pledge). The core concept is of answering or being accountable for one's pledges. In the 16th century, the French form 'responsible' was adopted into English, carrying the sense of "answerable, accountable". The modern meaning evolved from the literal idea of being "able to give an answer" for one's actions or duties, to the broader senses of trustworthiness, obligation, and causality. It encapsulates the idea of being the person who must "answer back" or account for a situation.
Analysis
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again, back". - spons: Latin origin, from the root of 'spondere' meaning "to pledge, promise, answer". - ible: Latin origin, suffix '-ibilis', forming adjectives meaning "able to be, capable of, worthy of".