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liablelegally responsible for something

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: legally responsible for something

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlaɪəbl/

Example Sentences

  • My mom said I'm liable for any damage to the car, so I drive like a grandma now.
  • The restaurant is liable for food poisoning caused by their expired ingredients.
  • You're liable to get kicked out if you keep singing karaoke at 3 AM.

liable

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈlaɪəbl/]

legally responsible for something

Drivers who ignore traffic laws are liable for any accidents they cause.
💡 Concept

Drivers who ignore traffic laws are liable for any accidents they cause.

Without a helmet, cyclists are liable to suffer serious injuries. (⚖️ Responsible + ⚠️ Likely → Liable)
🧠 Mnemonic

Without a helmet, cyclists are liable to suffer serious injuries. (⚖️ Responsible + ⚠️ Likely → Liable)

A liable mistake made reliable evidence undeniable in court.
🎵 Rhyme

A liable mistake made reliable evidence undeniable in court.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈlaɪəbl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈlaɪəbl/

🌳Etymology

Rootlie
Suffix--able

Origin

Liable derives from French 'lier' (to bind), with the sense evolving from the literal meaning of being bound or tied to the legal sense of being bound by obligation or responsibility. The word entered English through Old French, acquiring the meaning 'subject to or responsible for' in legal contexts.

Breakdown

lie- (to bind, from French lier) + -able (capable of, able to be), literally meaning 'able to be bound' or 'capable of being held responsible'.

🎵Rhyme

reliableviablepliable
reliable
viable
pliable

🔗Collocations

liable for damages
legally liable
liable to prosecution
jointly liable
liable to change
liable for tax

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My mom said I'm liable for any damage to the car, so I drive like a grandma now.

The restaurant is liable for food poisoning caused by their expired ingredients.

😄 Fun example

You're liable to get kicked out if you keep singing karaoke at 3 AM.

Students are liable to forget everything they studied if they cram the night before.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

responsibleaccountableanswerableobligated

Antonyms

exemptimmunefree

Related

liabilityreliabilityresponsibilityaccountability

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