Responsibilities: meaning, definitions and examples

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responsibilities

 

[rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪtiz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

at work

Responsibilities are tasks or duties that you are expected to carry out as part of your job or position.

Synonyms

duties, obligations, tasks.

Examples of usage

  • She has a lot of responsibilities as a manager.
  • One of his responsibilities is to train new employees.
  • It is important to clearly define everyone's responsibilities in the team.
Context #2 | Noun

general

Responsibilities are also moral or legal obligations that you have towards others or towards society.

Synonyms

accountabilities, duties, obligations.

Examples of usage

  • As a parent, you have responsibilities towards your children.
  • We all have a responsibility to protect the environment.
  • With freedom comes responsibility.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'responsabilis,' meaning 'able to respond,' which captures the idea of being accountable for certain tasks.
  • The root 'respondere' means 'to answer,' highlighting the obligation aspect of responsibilities.
  • The entry 'responsibility' appeared in English texts around the late 14th century, evolving through legal and ethical discussions.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that having clear responsibilities can enhance mental well-being, as it provides a sense of purpose and direction.
  • Positive reinforcement can increase willingness to accept responsibilities, leading to better self-esteem and personal growth.
  • On the flip side, overwhelming responsibilities may contribute to stress and anxiety, emphasizing the need for balance.

Pop Culture

  • In the animated film 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,' the phrase 'with great power comes great responsibility' emphasizes the character's moral obligations.
  • The '90s TV series 'Full House' often depicted the struggles of managing responsibilities as a parent, highlighting family roles and challenges.
  • Many popular video games, like 'The Sims,' allow players to manage their characters' responsibilities, making them relatable and engaging.

Education

  • In educational settings, responsibilities can include assignments, projects, and participating in group work, teaching time management skills.
  • Schools often have programs to promote responsibility among students, fostering leadership and accountability from a young age.
  • In higher education, managing responsibilities helps students balance academics, work, and personal life, preparing them for future careers.

Societal Views

  • Culturally, perceptions of responsibilities can vary; for example, some societies emphasize familial duties more than individual pursuits.
  • In discussions around climate change, individual and societal responsibilities are often debated, showcasing the interconnectedness of action and impact.
  • The rise of social movements has highlighted collective responsibilities towards equity and justice, shifting societal norms and expectations.

Translations

Translations of the word "responsibilities" in other languages:

🇵🇹 responsabilidades

🇮🇳 जिम्मेदारियाँ

🇩🇪 Verantwortlichkeiten

🇮🇩 tanggung jawab

🇺🇦 обов'язки

🇵🇱 odpowiedzialności

🇯🇵 責任 (せきにん)

🇫🇷 responsabilités

🇪🇸 responsabilidades

🇹🇷 sorumluluklar

🇰🇷 책임 (chaegim)

🇸🇦 مسؤوليات

🇨🇿 povinnosti

🇸🇰 povinnosti

🇨🇳 责任 (zérèn)

🇸🇮 odgovornosti

🇮🇸 skyldur

🇰🇿 міндеттемелер

🇬🇪 ვალდებულებები

🇦🇿 öhdəliklər

🇲🇽 responsabilidades

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,952, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.