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responsible

adj. · n.
US //ɹiˈspɑnsəbəɫ// UK //ɹɪspˈɒnsəbəl// re·spon·si·ble
  1. 1 having a duty (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having the job or duty of taking care of someone or something.

    having the obligation to ensure a task is completed or a person is cared for; often used with the preposition 'for'.

    Example

    The manager is responsible for making sure the shop opens on time every morning.

    Example

    As the lead architect, she was ultimately responsible for ensuring that the structural modifications complied with the city's stringent safety codes.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'for' and a noun or gerund.
    Pitfall
    Who is responsible of this mess?
    Who is responsible for this mess?

    Use the preposition 'for' after responsible, not 'of'.

  2. 2 being the cause (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    being the person or thing that caused something to happen.

    being the primary cause or agent of a particular action or situation, whether for credit or blame.

    Example

    The heavy rain was responsible for the flooding in the basement.

    Example

    While several factors contributed to the project's failure, a lack of clear communication was primarily responsible for the missed deadlines.
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  1. 3 sensible and reliable (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    behaving in a sensible way and able to be trusted.

    demonstrating good judgment and reliability; capable of rational and moral conduct.

    Example

    We need a responsible person to look after the house while we are away.

    Example

    The committee is looking for a responsible candidate who can manage the budget without constant supervision.
  2. 4 minor actor (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Theatre

    an actor who plays small or less important parts in a theatre company.

    a performer who takes on secondary or minor roles within a repertory theatre system.

    Example

    He started his career as a responsible, playing three different small parts in the same play.

    Example

    The young actor spent two seasons as a responsible in the regional company before being cast in a leading role.

    Usage

    Used as a countable noun within the context of professional theatre companies.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very niche technical term in theatre; learners will almost always encounter 'responsible' as an adjective.
    • supporting actor
Origin

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.

Word family

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