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.

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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

As much as we like to think that adults will behave responsibly, you run the risk of the tenant/landlord saying, “I lost $100.”

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026

“If we develop responsibly, I think it can lead to tremendous benefits in human health,” said Brian Hie, a computational biologist at Stanford and an author of the study.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

As a homeowner, explore non-chemical alternatives first, and apply any treatments sparingly and responsibly to minimize harm to beneficial insects and other wildlife.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 29, 2026

"E-scooters have real potential to improve local connectivity and cut emissions, and we want to see that potential realised safely and responsibly across the UK," a spokesperson says.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

Anyone may obtain such a license, but still, the powers it grants must be wielded responsibly.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood