Answerability: meaning, definitions and examples

💬

Add to dictionary

answerability

[ˌansərəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a philosophical context

The quality of being able to provide a response or answer, especially in a deep or meaningful way. It involves the capacity to offer explanations or solutions to complex questions or problems.

Synonyms

accountability, responsibility, responsiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
answerability	Use in formal contexts where there is a need to emphasize the obligation to answer for one's actions. The manager's answerability to the board is crucial for transparent operations The public demands answerability from their leaders
responsiveness	Used to highlight the ability to respond quickly and effectively. Often used in customer service or contexts where timely reaction is important. Customer satisfaction is tied to our team's responsiveness The company's responsiveness to market changes drives its success
accountability	Commonly used in professional and official settings where there is an expectation of reporting and being held responsible for specific tasks or actions. Our company's culture is built on transparency and accountability The new policies ensure greater accountability among employees
responsibility	A general term that is used in everyday language and formal settings to denote the duty to deal with something or to take care of someone. It can be broad and is often positive. Taking care of the environment is everyone's responsibility He has a big responsibility at home and at work

Examples of usage

Her answerability in the debate impressed everyone present.
The professor's answerability to difficult queries is well-known among his students.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a legal context

The state of being legally responsible or accountable for one's actions or decisions. It implies the obligation to justify one's behavior or decisions in a court of law.

Synonyms

culpability, liability, obligation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
answerability	Use this word when referring to a person's responsibility to provide answers or explanations for their actions. It often suggests accountability but doesn't inherently carry a negative connotation. The manager's answerability to the board ensures that all decisions are well-documented. Teachers have a high level of answerability to both students and parents.
liability	Use this word in legal or financial contexts to refer to one's legal responsibility or obligations, often related to potential consequences or risks. The company faces significant liability for environmental damage caused by its factories. Purchasing insurance is a way to mitigate personal liability in case of accidents.
culpability	This term is appropriate when discussing blame or guilt for something wrong or harmful. It carries a negative connotation. The investigation focused on determining the culpability of the involved parties. His culpability in the incident was undeniable after reviewing the evidence.
obligation	This word is suitable when discussing duties, responsibilities, or commitments that someone is morally or legally bound to fulfill. It does not inherently carry a positive or negative connotation. Parents have an obligation to provide for their children. He felt a strong obligation to help his community after the earthquake.

Examples of usage

The company's answerability for the environmental damage caused by its activities is being investigated.
The defendant's answerability in the court case will be determined by the evidence presented.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from combining 'answer' (from Old English 'andsware', meaning 'response') and 'ability' (from Latin 'habilitas', meaning 'capability').
Answerability has roots in the 20th century as discussions about accountability began to emerge in governance and management.

Politics

In democratic governments, leaders often have answerability to citizens, meaning they must explain their actions and decisions.
The concept of answerability is crucial for transparency in public administration, allowing accountability in political systems.

Ethics

Philosophers discuss answerability in the context of moral responsibility, emphasizing the need to justify actions ethically.
In ethics, answerability can highlight the importance of responsible decision-making in personal and professional lives.

Educational Theory

In education, answerability is viewed as an essential aspect of student learning where teachers must be able to explain their teaching methods and decisions.
Students are encouraged to cultivate answerability by learning to articulate their reasoning behind choices and actions in group discussions.

Business Practices

In the corporate world, answerability ensures that managers are held accountable for their team's performance and decisions.
Companies often implement frameworks that require clear accountability structures to foster a culture of answerability among employees.

Translations

Translations of the word "answerability" in other languages:

🇵🇹 responsabilidade

🇮🇳 उत्तरदायित्व

🇩🇪 Verantwortlichkeit

🇮🇩 tanggung jawab

🇺🇦 відповідальність

🇵🇱 odpowiedzialność

🇯🇵 責任

🇫🇷 responsabilité

🇪🇸 responsabilidad

🇹🇷 sorumluluk

🇰🇷 책임

🇸🇦 مسؤولية

🇨🇿 odpovědnost

🇸🇰 zodpovednosť

🇨🇳 责任

🇸🇮 odgovornost

🇮🇸 ábyrgð

🇰🇿 жауапкершілік

🇬🇪 პასუხისმგებლობა

🇦🇿 məsuliyyət

🇲🇽 responsabilidad