responsibly
Americanadverb
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in a sensible, trustworthy, and prudent way.
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Our agency remains dedicated to overseeing these markets thoroughly and responsibly.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
The U.A.E. said it still plans to produce responsibly.
From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026
It also says it would "encourage" local authorities to charge only £5 for bulky waste collections, to incentivise households to dispose of waste responsibly.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
Regardless of what job you’re applying for, communicating that you know how to use these tools responsibly and in a way that makes you more productive is key.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
Fwooper owners require licences, as the creatures must be handled responsibly.
From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
