responsibility
AI In plain words
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Written by a house AI from the entry below, in your language. The entry itself is the source.
responsibility
- /ɹɪˌspɒn.səˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ UK
- /ɹɪˌspɑn.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/ US, dialectal
- [ɹɪˌspɑn.səˈbɪl.ə.ɾi] US, dialectal
- /ɹɪˌspɒn.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/ Canada, dialectal
- [ɹɪˌspɒn.səˈbɪl.ə.ɾi] Canada, dialectal
- /ɹɪˌspɔn.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/ Australia
- [ɹɪˌspɔn.səˈbɪl.ə.ɾi] Australia
- /ɹəˌspɒn.səˈbəl.ə.ti/ New Zealand
- [ɹəˌspɔ̟n.səˈbəl.ə.ɾi] New Zealand
Where it comes from
From responsible + -ity. Although the components are of French origin, the compound appears to have been formed in English. Later-attested French responsabilité is modeled on the English word, and Italian responsabilità is in turn modeled on the French.
noun responsibilities
- The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable. Responsibility is a heavy burden.
- The state of being liable, culpable, or responsible for something in particular. After all, it is undeniable that the B.R. standard coach scored highly in comparative trials with other European railway vehicles on the Continent a few years ago, so that B.R. civil engineers must share responsibility for any defects in its behaviour over here.
- A duty, obligation or liability for which someone is held accountable. Why didn't you clean the house? That was your responsibility!
- The obligation to carry forward an assigned task to a successful conclusion.
- The obligation for the proper custody, care, and safekeeping of property or funds entrusted to someone’s possession or supervision.
Similar: responsibleness
