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.
“I hope that our show highlights the beauty of it in a way that people will go and responsibly enjoy Muskoka,” she said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
"It is wrong that the journalists who did their job responsibly are now being subjected to an onslaught of abuse."
From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026
Whether you retain a financial adviser or not, you have presumably developed a better understanding of managing money responsibly.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 1, 2026
The group said it had negotiated "responsibly and positively" and reached "national consensus" among the Palestinian factions.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
“Never mind about that,” said Brinker with his face responsibly grave.
From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles
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.
