responsible
Definitions
Having a duty to deal with something or take care of someone; in charge.
负责的；有责任照管……的；主管的。
Being the cause of something (often something bad).
（常指坏事）成为……起因的，应承担过错的。
Sensible, trustworthy, and able to be relied on.
可靠的，有责任心的，靠得住的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + spons (pledge, answer) + -ible (able to) = 'able to answer back.' A responsible person is one who can be called on to *answer for* what happens — the Latin verb respondēre meant 'to answer.' Being responsible for a task means you must answer for it; being responsible to someone means you report and answer to them.
Root spons still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
Two structures differ: 'responsible for something' = in charge of it / the cause of it. 'responsible to someone' = accountable to them in a hierarchy. Don't mix them: you're responsible for a project but responsible to your manager.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She is responsible for training all the new staff.
- 2.
A faulty wire was responsible for the fire.
- 3.
He's a responsible young man who always keeps his word.
- 4.
Managers are directly responsible to the board.
Easily Confused
responsible vs accountable: both mean answerable, but accountable is stronger and more formal — it implies you will face consequences and must give an account. You can be responsible for many daily tasks; you are accountable when results are judged.