responsible

Definition

Having the duty of taking care of something; answerable for an act performed or for its consequences; accountable; amenable, especially legally or politically.

Etymology

From Middle French responsable, from Old French responsable, responsible, formed from the root of Latin responsus, from respondere. The spelling of the English word is taken from the Old French variant responsible. By surface analysis, response + -ible.

Example Sentences

• "Parents are responsible for their child's behaviour."
• "Who is responsible for this mess?"
• "[…]Karius was a danger to his own team, responsible for Madrid’s two other goals and last seen wandering aimlessly around the pitch – alone, distraught and clearly traumatised – to ask forgiveness, hands clasped, from the thousands of Liverpool supporters."

Related Words