responsabilidad
Lemma Details
Translation: responsibility; liability; accountability; duty; obligation
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'responsabilitas', derived from 'respondere' (to respond, answer to). The English cognate 'responsibility' shares the same Latin root. The word embodies the concept of being answerable for one's actions or obligations. The 'respons-' element relates to answering or responding, while '-abilidad' indicates the quality or state of being able to do something.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La empresa asume toda la responsabilidad por el error.
The company takes full responsibility for the error.
Tiene un gran sentido de la responsabilidad.
He/She has a great sense of responsibility.
La responsabilidad recae sobre el director.
The responsibility falls on the director.
Es tu responsabilidad cuidar a los niños.
It's your responsibility to take care of the children.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'response-ability' - the ability to respond appropriately to situations and obligations.
- Remember that 'responsabilidad' contains 'respons' which sounds like 'response' - you are responding to what is expected of you.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'responsabilidad' is highly valued and often associated with personal honor and family reputation. The concept extends beyond individual accountability to include collective responsibility within families and communities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'responsabilidad' means 'responsibility', 'respuesta' means 'answer' or 'response'. Both share the root related to responding, but have different meanings and uses.
Notes: Both words derive from the Latin 'respondere' but evolved to serve different semantic functions.
Mnemonic: 'Responsabilidad' is longer and more substantial, like the weight of responsibility itself, while 'respuesta' is shorter, like a quick answer.
Explanation: 'Responsabilidad' refers to responsibility or accountability, while 'respetabilidad' refers to respectability or the quality of being respectable.
Confused word:
Su respetabilidad en la comunidad es incuestionable.
His respectability in the community is unquestionable.
Notes: These words look similar but address different aspects of social standing and obligation.
Mnemonic: Think of 'respetabilidad' as containing 'respeto' (respect), while 'responsabilidad' contains 'response'.