responsibly

American  

[ri-spahns-uhb-lee] / rɪˈspɑns əb li /

adverb

1. in a sensible, trustworthy, and prudent way.

2. in a way that reflects a duty or responsibility.

---

Explanation

When you do something in a careful, trustworthy way, you do it responsibly. If you spend your money responsibly, you'll probably be able to save some of it. Acting responsibly is important in life — it's what makes people trust you, and it means you usually do things only after thinking them over and choosing what's wisest or most sensible. You can't get a driver's license until you prove you can drive responsibly. And, before someone hires you to babysit, they'll want to know you act responsibly. The Latin root is respons-, "answerable" or "offered in return."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

responsibly

An Energy Department spokeswoman said the administration was managing the reserve responsibly and “helping stabilize oil markets, protect Americans from supply disruptions, and strengthen energy security at home and abroad.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

And we need to fall into line in “removing regulatory barriers that hinder U.S. technological and economic leadership while responsibly stewarding coastal resources.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 11, 2026

Many of you are doing it responsibly, too: The overwhelming majority are taking care of housework or laundry, while running errands was the second-most common piece of personal business being done during professional time.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026

NatureScot's Scottish Outdoor Access Code, external asks people to access the countryside responsibly and "leave no trace".

From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2026

“Be polite, act responsibly, help clean up. Do not make me regret letting you go,” Lou Ann calls as I run out to Ana’s mom’s car.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko