be responsible for — having the duty or obligation to take care of something or someone
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: having the duty or obligation to take care of something or someone
Pronunciation (IPA): /bi rɪˈspɑːnsəbl fɔːr/
Example Sentences
- The cat claimed it was responsible for catching mice, but we all knew it was just responsible for sleeping 20 hours a day.
- Who is responsible for this mess in the kitchen?
- As the team leader, she is responsible for making sure everyone arrives on time, which is ironic since she's always late herself.
be responsible for
NOUN[/bi rɪˈspɑːnsəbl fɔːr/]
having the duty or obligation to take care of something or someone
having the duty or obligation to take care of something or someone
Be responsible for making the impossible possible!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase derives from Latin 'respondere' (to answer, respond), which combines 're-' (again) and 'spondere' (to pledge or promise). In ancient Roman courts, individuals were required to 'respond' and account for their actions, giving rise to the modern sense of obligation and accountability.
Breakdown
re- (again, back) + spondere (to pledge, promise) = to pledge again or answer for. The semantic shift from 'to answer in court' to 'to be accountable' reflects the legal duty to justify one's conduct.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cat claimed it was responsible for catching mice, but we all knew it was just responsible for sleeping 20 hours a day.”
“Who is responsible for this mess in the kitchen?”
“As the team leader, she is responsible for making sure everyone arrives on time, which is ironic since she's always late herself.”
“Students are responsible for completing their homework assignments.”
📚Related Words
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