responsibility

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force; ; - John D.Rockefeller Jr
  2. noun the proper sphere or extent of your activities
  3. noun a form of trustworthiness; the trait of being answerable to someone for something or being responsible for one's conduct

Etymology

From responsible + -ity. Although the components are of French origin, the compound appears to have been formed in English. Later-attested French responsabilité is modeled on the English word, and Italian responsabilità is in turn modeled on the French.

In classic literature

Synonyms

duty, obligation

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