The word ‘Responsible’ (Adjective) describes someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and accountable for their actions or duties. In this guide, you’ll learn the full definition, synonyms, antonyms, etymology, and real-life examples of how to use ‘Responsible’ correctly in sentences.
Responsible Explained in Depth
A complete and detailed guide to the word Responsible including meaning, definition, examples, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms.
Meanings of Responsible
Responsible to the quality of being dependable, answerable, or in charge of something. It often implies that a person is mature, trustworthy, and capable of handling tasks or making decisions with care and accountability.
For example, a responsible person shows up on time, meets obligations, and considers the consequences of their actions. In other contexts, it can also mean being the cause of something either good or bad.
Definition:
Responsible being morally or legally obliged to take care of something or to be answerable for actions, decisions, or outcomes. It can be used in different contexts Being the reason something happened, Acting with integrity and making careful decisions.
Etymology
- Derived from Latin responsus, the past participle of respondere, meaning “to respond.”
- It entered Middle English via Old French responsable, and its core meaning remained tied to answering or being accountable for something.
The word still carries the idea of being answerable or accountable today.
Example Sentences:
- She is a very responsible employee who never misses a deadline.
- Parents are responsible for the care and upbringing of their children.
- The manager was held responsible for the department’s poor performance.
Responsible Synonyms:
- Accountable
- Reliable
- Trustworthy
- Dependable
- Answerable
- Dutiful
- Conscientious
- Mature
- In charge
- Liable
Antonyms:
- Irresponsible
- Careless
- Unreliable
- Negligent
- Untrustworthy
- Reckless
- Unaccountable
- Immature
- Incapable
- Unmindful
FAQs about Responsible
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the word “rewarding”
1. What does “responsible” mean in a job or workplace setting?
In a workplace, being responsible means reliably completing your tasks, being accountable for your performance, and contributing positively to the team or organization.
2. Can someone be responsible for something bad?
Yes, “responsible” can also mean being the cause of a negative outcome. For example, “He was responsible for the accident” means he caused it or played a major role in it.
3. What’s the difference between “responsible” and “accountable”?
“Responsible” refers to the duty to perform a task, while “accountable” often means being answerable for the results. A person can be responsible for doing something, and accountable if it fails or succeeds.
4. Can children be described as responsible?
Yes, when a child consistently follows rules, takes care of their belongings, or completes tasks without being reminded, we can call them responsible.
5. Is “responsible” always positive?
Mostly yes, but not always. It can also imply blame or liability when someone causes a negative situation (e.g., “He was responsible for the delay”).