What is answerable? Pronunciation and usage in English

answerable means . Learn how to pronounce and use answerable through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of answerable

answerableadjective

/ˈɑːnsərəbl//ˈænsərəbl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "answerable." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, focusing on the key sounds:

1. The Core:

  • an- - This sounds like "an" as in "an apple."
  • swer- - This is the most challenging part. It’s a bit of a blend:
    • Think of "swear" but slightly softened.
    • Round your lips a little as if you were going to say "swear," but don't fully form the "w" sound. It's a bit like a "wh" sound, but shorter and more internal.
  • -a- - This is a short "a" sound, like in "apple."
  • -ble - This is a soft "b" sound, almost like a "v" sound.

2. Putting it Together (Slowly):

Say it slowly, breaking it down:

"an- swer- a- ble"

3. A More Natural Flow (Once you've practiced the breakdown):

Aim for something like this:

“an-**swer-**uh-buhl”

  • The "uh" represents the short "a" in "answerable."
  • The “buhl” is the final part, blending the "b" with the "l".

4. Resources for Hearing It:

Tips for Mastering It:

  • Focus on the "swer" sound: This is the biggest hurdle. Practice saying "swear" and then subtly reduce the “w” sound.
  • Don’t overemphasize the final "b": It’s a very soft "v" sound.
  • Listen repeatedly: Use the resources above and listen to native speakers. Repetition is key!

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some similar words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word answerable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "answerable." It's a somewhat formal and less commonly used word, so understanding its nuance is important.

Meaning:

"Answerable" means subject to answering; capable of being replied to or accounted for. It emphasizes the obligation or responsibility to respond to a question, request, or demand. It's not just about being able to answer, but about having to answer.

Here’s a breakdown of how to use it, with examples:

1. Regarding Obligations and Responsibility:

  • Most Common Use: This is where "answerable" is most frequently used. It's used when someone is responsible for explaining themselves or providing a reason.

    • "The accusations against the CEO were considered answerable to the board of directors." (Meaning: The CEO had to provide explanations and justifications.)
    • "The government is answerable to the people for its policies." (Meaning: The government must be able to justify its actions and respond to public concerns.)
    • "Each employee is answerable for the accuracy of their reports." (Meaning: Employees are responsible for justifying and correcting any errors.)

2. Describing Something that Can Be Queried:

  • It can describe a situation, document, or process that needs to be explained.

    • "The irregularities in the accounting records were answerable to a lack of proper oversight." (Meaning: The issues could be explained and justified.)
    • "His sudden departure was answerable only to his own personal reasons." (Meaning: There was no official explanation, and he wasn’t obligated to provide one.)

3. Less Common, More Literary/Formal Usage:

  • In more elevated or literary contexts, it can occasionally refer to something that can be given a "response" in a broader sense (not just a direct answer).

    • "The universe is answerable to laws of physics." (Meaning: The behavior of the universe can be explained by scientific principles.) - This is a slightly more metaphorical usage.

Key Differences and Alternatives:

  • Answerable vs. Answerable to: "Answerable to" is much more common. "Answerable to" means "responsible to" or "accountable to." (e.g., "The employee is answerable to his manager.")

  • Explainable: If you're talking about something that can be explained, "explainable" is often a better choice.

  • Accountable: This is frequently the best alternative, especially when discussing responsibility.

  • Respondable: While similar in meaning, "respondable" is less common and might have slightly different connotations (more focused on the act of responding).

Tips for Using "Answerable":

  • It’s Formal: "Answerable" is not a word you’d use in casual conversation. It’s best suited for formal writing, legal documents, or more serious discussions.

  • Focus on the Obligation: Think about whether the subject must provide a response or justification.

  • Consider Alternatives: As noted above, "answerable to" or "accountable" are often clearer and more readily understood options.

Example sentences to practice:

  1. The project manager was answerable for delivering the report on time.
  2. The company's actions were considered answerable to the public outcry.
  3. His absence from the meeting was answerable only to a sudden illness.
  4. The design flaws in the bridge were answerable to the engineering team’s negligence.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you practice using the word in a sentence?
  • Explain how it's used in a specific context (e.g., a legal document)?

Synonyms for the word answerable

Practice with vocabulary answerable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. As a senior manager, she is directly ____ to the department head for the team's performance.
  2. The research committee concluded that the question, while challenging, was ultimately ____ with the available data.
  3. All employees are ____ for adhering to the company's code of conduct and safety regulations.
  4. The consultant's proposed solution was highly ____ and practical, leading to its swift implementation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. The auditor questioned whether the financial discrepancy was truly ____, given the lack of clear documentation. A) accountable B) resolvable C) answerable D) explainable
  2. In a transparent government, elected officials are always ____ to the public for their decisions and expenditures. A) answerable B) liable C) accountable D) immune
  3. The board determined that the ethical concerns raised by the whistleblower were serious and ____, requiring a formal investigation. A) trivial B) ignorable C) answerable D) actionable
  4. The company is legally ____ for any environmental damage caused by its operations. A) answerable B) liable C) responsible D) obligated
  5. Despite new research, the exact mechanism of the disease remains ____, posing a significant challenge to treatment development. A) obscure B) clear C) understood D) elusive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to use "answerable" or a related word form: The CEO must provide explanations to the shareholders for the company's declining profits.

  2. Rewrite the sentence to use "answerable" or a related word form: Finding a solution to this complex logistical problem is certainly possible.

  3. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, but do not use "answerable": It is essential that businesses act in a way that shows care for the environment and society.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. answerable
  2. answerable
  3. responsible
  4. feasible

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) resolvable, C) answerable, D) explainable
  2. A) answerable, C) accountable
  3. C) answerable, D) actionable
  4. B) liable, C) responsible, D) obligated
  5. A) obscure, D) elusive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The CEO is answerable to the shareholders for the company's declining profits.
  2. This complex logistical problem is certainly answerable.
  3. It is essential that businesses are accountable for their environmental and social impact.

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