What is responsibility? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of responsibility

responsibilitynoun

/rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪlɪti/
Definition & pronunciation of responsibility

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "responsibility." It's a tricky word! Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and a more conversational guide:

1. Phonetic Breakdown (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

  • re - /rɪ/ (like the "ri" in "rib")
  • spon - /spɒn/ (as in “ponytail”)
  • si - /sɪ/ (like "sit")
  • bil - /bɪl/ (like "bill")
  • i - /i/ (like the "i" in "bit")
  • ty - /tɪ/ (like "it")

So, putting it together: /rɪˈspɒnsɪbɪlɪti/

2. A Conversational Guide

Here’s a way to say it step-by-step:

  • “Re” – Say it with a quick, light “ri” sound.
  • “Spon” – Think of “pon” like the ponytail, then add an “s” at the beginning. It's a short, sharp sound.
  • “Si” – Say “sit.”
  • “Bil” – Say “bill.”
  • “I” – Say “ih.”
  • “Ty” – Say “it.”

Putting it all together: Reh-SPON-suh-BIL-i-tee

Key Points and Tips:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: “SPON.” You want to emphasize that syllable more than the others.
  • The “bility” part: The "-ility" ending is pronounced like “i-lity” (as in “agility”).
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Type "how to pronounce responsibility" into Google and click the speaker icon to hear a recording.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/responsibility/ (Forvo is a website with pronunciations from native speakers.)
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce responsibility" – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

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

Usage and examples with the word responsibility in English

Let's break down how to use the word "responsibility" in English. It's a really important and versatile word, so understanding its nuances is key.

1. Core Meaning:

At its most basic, "responsibility" refers to duty or obligation. It's the state of being accountable for something, whether it’s a task, a situation, or a person.

2. Common Ways to Use It:

Here's how you can use "responsibility" in various contexts, with examples:

  • Personal Responsibility: This is about taking ownership of your own actions and choices.

    • "It's your responsibility to do your homework."
    • "Taking personal responsibility for your health is crucial."
    • "He needs to accept responsibility for his mistakes."

  • Work/Professional Responsibility: Dealing with duties at work or in a profession.

    • "As a manager, she has the responsibility for overseeing the team."
    • "The doctor has a responsibility to provide the best possible care."
    • "The company has a responsibility to protect customer data."

  • Household Responsibility: Tasks within a family or home.

    • "Sharing household responsibilities is important for a happy family."
    • "My kids have responsibility for taking out the trash."

  • Social Responsibility: Acting ethically and considering the impact of your actions on society.

    • "Businesses have a social responsibility to be environmentally sustainable."
    • “We all have a responsibility to help those in need.”

  • Legal Responsibility: Being legally accountable.

    • “He was held responsible for the damage to the property.”
    • “The company is legally responsible for ensuring the safety of their products.”

3. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Responsible: (adjective) – Meaning reliable, dependable, and able to be trusted. “She’s a very responsible person.”
  • Responsibility: (noun) - same as above
  • Take responsibility: To acknowledge and accept ownership of something, good or bad. “He needs to take responsibility for his actions.”
  • Assumption of responsibility: Accepting a duty or obligation.
  • Shoulder the responsibility: To willingly accept a difficult or demanding task. “She decided to shoulder the responsibility of organizing the event.”

4. Grammatical Usage:

  • “Responsibility” is typically a noun. (e.g., “He feels a strong sense of responsibility.”)
  • You can use it with phrases like "a sense of," "the responsibility of," "taking responsibility for."

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Duty
  • Obligation
  • Accountability
  • Charge
  • Commitment

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "responsibility" in? (e.g., school, work, personal life, a specific situation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word responsibility

Practice with vocabulary responsibility

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager bears the ultimate _______ for the successful completion of the new software.
  2. As a registered voter, you have an _______ to participate in local and national elections.
  3. Every team member shares the _______ for maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
  4. Our primary _______ for this quarter is to increase customer engagement by 15%.

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

  1. Which of the following describes a situation where an individual is expected to manage a task or outcome, indicating a duty they must fulfill? A) A personal preference B) A designated responsibility C) An optional suggestion D) A spontaneous action

  2. What term best describes the necessity to account for one's actions and decisions, often implying consequences for failure? A) Flexibility B) Accountability C) Creativity D) Independence

  3. In which scenarios might 'responsibility' be a fitting description for a person's role or tasks? A) Managing a department's annual budget B) Supervising a team of junior colleagues C) Being the primary contact for a major client D) Attending an optional team-building picnic

  4. When a government committee is formally authorized to investigate a specific issue and propose solutions, this is its: A) Privilege B) Mandate C) Hobby D) Diversion

  5. If a critical system error occurs, identifying the root cause and implementing a fix typically falls under whose _______? A) Hunch B) Responsibility C) Dilemma D) Coincidence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It is essential for human resources to ensure fair treatment of all employees. Rewrite using "responsibility":

  2. Original: The core function of the IT department is safeguarding the company's data assets. Rewrite without using "responsibility" or its related forms (e.g., responsible):

  3. Original: Each employee must uphold the company's ethical standards. Rewrite using "responsibility" or a related word form:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. responsibility
  2. obligation
  3. responsibility
  4. objective

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) A designated responsibility
  2. B) Accountability
  3. A) Managing a department's annual budget, B) Supervising a team of junior colleagues, C) Being the primary contact for a major client
  4. B) Mandate
  5. B) Responsibility

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Human resources has the essential responsibility to ensure fair treatment of all employees.
  2. The IT department's core function is safeguarding the company's data assets.
  3. Each employee is responsible for upholding the company's ethical standards.

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