liable
Definitions
Legally responsible for something, especially for paying or compensating
（尤指赔偿方面）负有法律责任的
Likely or prone to do or experience something (usually unwelcome)
易于…的，很可能（发生不好的事）的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom ligāre (bind, worn to li) + -able = 'bound to.' One core image splits into two senses: legally bound to a consequence — 'the firm is liable for damages'; and bound to happen — 'old pipes are liable to burst.' Both are about being tied to an outcome you can't shake off.
Root lig still carries 18 more wordsUsage Guide
Watch the preposition: 'liable for + thing' = responsible for it (liable for the debt); 'liable to + noun/verb' = subject to, or likely to (liable to tax, liable to crack). The 'likely to' sense almost always points to something unwelcome — you say 'liable to forget,' not 'liable to win.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Drivers are liable for any damage they cause to rented vehicles.
- 2.
If you break the rules, you may be liable to a heavy fine.
- 3.
Without an umbrella, you're liable to get soaked in this weather.
Easily Confused
liable vs likely vs prone — all hint at probability, but liable to and prone to carry a sense of risk or fault and usually mark bad outcomes ('liable/prone to error'); likely is neutral and works for good or bad ('likely to win'). liable also has the unrelated legal meaning 'responsible,' which likely and prone never do.