responsibility

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˌspɑn.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force; ; - John D.Rockefeller Jr
  2. noun the proper sphere or extent of your activities
  3. noun a form of trustworthiness; the trait of being answerable to someone for something or being responsible for one's conduct

Etymology

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

duty, obligation

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
social control
Narrower (hyponyms)
moral obligation, job, imperative, burden of proof, filial duty, line of duty

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