answerable to — being responsible to someone in authority; having to explain or justify actions to someone
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: being responsible to someone in authority; having to explain or justify actions to someone
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈænsərəbəl tu/
Example Sentences
- My teenage son thinks he's not answerable to anyone, but he's very wrong!
- The prime minister is answerable to the people for his policies.
- As a team leader, I am answerable to my manager for the project's success.
answerable to
ADJECTIVE[/ˈænsərəbəl tu/]
being responsible to someone in authority; having to explain or justify actions to someone
a nervous employee sits across from a stern supervisor at a conference table, holding documents while explaining recent project failures. The employee gestures apologetically while the supervisor leans forward with crossed arms and a serious expression. The failed project results are spread across the table between them as evidence. The supervisor points to specific problems that need explanation. Other board members sit around the table watching the accountability discussion unfold. The employee's worried face shows they must justify their decisions and actions. someone being responsible to someone in authority and having to explain their actions
Duties may be transferable, but being answerable is always preferable!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase emerged in the 14th century from the verb 'answer' (from Old English andswarian, meaning to respond or reply) combined with the suffix '-able' (from Latin -abilis, denoting capability or suitability). The original sense of 'able to answer or respond to' gradually evolved to mean 'accountable or responsible to.'
Breakdown
answer (Old English andswarian: to respond) + -able (Latin -abilis: capable of, worthy of) + to (preposition indicating direction or obligation toward). The construction shifted semantically from 'able to give answer' to 'liable to account.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My teenage son thinks he's not answerable to anyone, but he's very wrong!”
“The prime minister is answerable to the people for his policies.”
“As a team leader, I am answerable to my manager for the project's success.”
“Even superheroes are answerable to someone - usually their angry wives at home.”
📚Related Words
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